Research We Fund

By connecting basic, translational, and clinical researchers, HA is accelerating hydrocephalus research and working to fulfill our mission.

Bench to Bedside

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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.

Meet Our Latest Grantees

Funding high-impact, high-quality basic, and translational research is essential for the identification and testing of new drugs and other therapies that could change how we treat hydrocephalus. That is why, each year, the Hydrocephalus Association runs grant cycles to fund individual researchers conducting innovative and exciting research that will improve our understanding of the condition, identify and test new interventions, and move new discoveries towards clinical use.

Funding Opportunities
All Past Grantees and Programs

Neuropsychology & Cognition Award

To advance research on quality of life aspects of hydrocephalus across the lifespan, in 2024, HA launched the Neuropsychology and Cognition Award. The goal of this award is to support innovative research that broadly addresses the utility and development of neuropsychological and cognitive assessment tools.

Accelerator Award

In 2024, HA launched the Accelerator Award to fund the advancement of ongoing research at any stage from the bench-to-bedside. This grant provides support for established investigators for research focused on preventing hydrocephalus or developing non-invasive treatments.

Innovator Award

In 2015, HA launched the first-ever Innovator Award for Investigators in Hydrocephalus Research. The goal of this grant is to provide seed funding for bold and innovative research with the potential to transform the field of hydrocephalus.

Epidemiology Challenge Award

HA launched the Epidemiology Challenge Award in 2024, aimed to develop reliable data on the epidemiology and economic impact of adult hydrocephalus.

Engineering in Hydrocephalus Prize

The Engineering in Hydrocephalus Prize was created to award undergraduate or graduate research projects focused on engineering solutions for hydrocephalus. This award aims to encourage the next generation of scientists to think creatively and design projects that address the challenges of hydrocephalus. Awardees also receive mentorship opportunities by experts in the fields of bioengineering and hydrocephalus. With this award, we strive to increase diverse perspectives within our research ecosystem.

Next Generation Scientists Travel Award

[Formerly named the Young Investigator Travel Award]

The National Conference on Hydrocephalus (HA CONNECT) brings together renowned clinicians and scientists with the hydrocephalus patient community. The Conference is an ideal place for young investigators to meet the patients and families affected by hydrocephalus and hopefully strengthen their commitment to a career focused on hydrocephalus. However, few scientists or medical professionals in training are able to attend. The Next Generation Scientists Travel Award aims to encourage the next generation of hydrocephalus researchers to attend and allows them the opportunity to present their research.

Hydrocephalus Association Cynthia Solomon Resident’s Prize

The Hydrocephalus Association (HA) promotes research and leadership in hydrocephalus is through our annual resident’s prizes. The HA Cynthia Solomon Resident’s Prize is awarded each year to the most promising hydrocephalus-related research paper presented by a neurosurgical resident at the Pediatric Section meeting of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons/Congress of Neurological Surgeons (AANS/CNS). The prize is designed to encourage young doctors to focus their research efforts on advancing treatment and care of individuals with hydrocephalus.

Cynthia Solomon, a co-founder and enduring advocate of HA, conceived the concept of the Resident’s Prize in 1998 to motivate neurosurgical residents to actively participate in research endeavors. To pay tribute to Cynthia's profound influence, this award underwent a renaming during our 40th anniversary celebrations in 2023. It will now be officially known as The Hydrocephalus Association Cynthia Solomon Resident’s Prize, encapsulating her lasting legacy and dedication to advancing hydrocephalus research.

AHCIS & HA Kenneth McKenzie Award

The Adult Hydrocephalus, Chiari & ICP Society (AHCIS) & Hydrocephalus Association (HA) Kenneth McKenzie Award is presented each year to the most outstanding hydrocephalus-related research abstract presented by a neurosurgical resident or fellow to promote research in adult hydrocephalus. The award is designed to encourage residents and fellows to focus their research efforts on advancing treatment and care of adults with hydrocephalus.

This award honors Dr. Kenneth George McKenzie (1892–1964), who was Canada’s first dedicated neurosurgeon. Dr. McKenzie brought techniques from the U.S. back to Toronto in 1923. He laid the foundation for Canadian neurosurgical training, which eventually enabled specialized adult hydrocephalus care.

Funding Opportunities
All Past Grantees and Programs

Improving Patient Care Now

We support two multicenter clinical research networks, the pediatric-focused Hydrocephalus Clinical Research Network (HCRN) and the Adult HCRN (AHCRN). These networks of highly skilled clinician-scientists are changing how hydrocephalus clinical research is conducted and producing high quality, high impact studies at an unprecedented pace.

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Bringing the Patient Voice to Research

The HA Patient-Powered Interactive Engagement Registry (HAPPIER) is an online database that was developed by HA and created to bring the patient perspective to hydrocephalus research. HAPPIER currently collects information on the treatment and symptoms, health, and quality of life of people living with hydrocephalus.

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Communication and Collaboration Among Hydrocephalus Casic and Translational Researchers

The Hydrocephalus Association Network for Discovery Science (HANDS) is 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.

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