Research Overview
Research by dedicated scientists and clinicians from a wide range of disciplines is expanding our knowledge of hydrocephalus, translating discoveries and insights into vital new treatments and clinical care practices for people living with hydrocephalus.
Our Mission & Strategy
The mission of our Research Program is to fund research that improves the quality of life for people living with hydrocephalus, and ultimately to find a cure. To accomplish this mission, the Board of Directors established three priority areas:
Connecting Basic, Translational, and Clinical Researchers
The Hydrocephalus Association Research Program is focused on advancing promising avenues of hydrocephalus research and building a committed and connected hydrocephalus research community. Through the support of three research networks and our patient-powered registry, HA has created a research ecosystem that improves the lives of those with hydrocephalus now, while identifying and testing new hypotheses and therapies. By connecting basic, translational, and clinical researchers, HA is accelerating hydrocephalus research and working to fulfill our mission.

Research Networks and the Patient-Powered Registry
We support three networks and a patient-powered registry that accelerate high quality, high-impact hydrocephalus research.

Hydrocephalus Clinical Research Network (HCRN)
A network of fourteen children’s hospitals that conduct clinical research on hydrocephalus.

Adult Hydrocephalus Clinical Research Network (AHCRN)
A network of eight hospitals that conduct clinical research focused on adults with hydrocephalus.

Hydrocephalus Association Network for Discovery Science (HANDS)
A platform for both communication and collaboration among hydrocephalus basic and translational researchers with a focus on mentorship, innovation, and shared infrastructure. Through HANDS we award research grants to individual investigators conducting innovative research and also hold research conferences and workshops that are designed to promote collaboration and identify promising new opportunities.

Hydrocephalus Association Patient-Powered Interactive Engagement Registry (HAPPIER)
HAPPIER, an online database created to bring the patient perspective to hydrocephalus research. HAPPIER will help accelerate hydrocephalus research by providing patient-generated and patient-centered data to the research community.
Five Scientists Awarded HA Grants for Their Bold and Innovative Work
Announcing our 2021 Innovator Award recipients! These brilliant scientists are exploring new ideas about why hydrocephalus develops and testing new treatments to improve long term outcomes.
Read More >Grey Matter Brain Damage
This blog explains the difference between white and grey matter injuries and their effects on the brain.
Read More >TECHNOLOGY UPDATE: Rhaeos, Inc. Awarded NIH Grant to Advance Development of FlowSense Wireless Sensor
Rhaeos, Inc. was awarded an NIH grant to advance their development of wearable sensors to detect failed shunts in patients with hydrocephalus.
Read More >