Neil Peart Neurosurgery Resident Research Award

Focus Area: Neurosurgery resident research on glioblastoma

Geographic Scope: United States (multi-center)

Award Purpose: Identifies and cultivates the neurosurgeons of tomorrow who will be leaders in glioblastoma research. Supports cutting-edge translational research that can be implemented to extend patient survival.

Program History

• Established: 2020, in honor of legendary Rush drummer Neil Peart
• Initial Recipients: 1 resident (2020)
• Expanded: 2021 to support 7 neurosurgery residents conducting research across the country

Named After

Neil Peart, legendary drummer and lyricist from the band Rush. Recognized as one of the greatest musicians and drummers of all time. Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with his bandmates Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson in 2013.

Research Focus Areas Supported

Recent recipients' research includes:

• Development of molecular tumor organoids to study glioblastoma stem cells responsible for tumor recurrence
• Personalized medicine approaches for tailoring therapy to individual glioblastoma patients
• Immunotherapy for glioblastoma, including development of IL-2 mimics to promote anti-tumor responses
• CRISPR technology to study genes contributing to immunotherapy resistance
• Liquid biopsy development for diagnosis and monitoring treatment effectiveness
• Drug response testing using organoids to determine effectiveness of drugs and combination therapies

Eligible Institutions

Research conducted at leading medical centers including:

• University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
• MD Anderson Cancer Center
• University of California
• Yale New Haven Hospital
• Harvard Medical Center/MGH
• Columbia University
• Weill-Cornell Medical Center

Mission Alignment

Supports the Glioblastoma Foundation's mission to transform the standard of care for glioblastoma by supporting development of new drugs and effective therapies, with focus on targeted therapies for glioblastoma.

Contact & More Information

• Website: glioblastomafoundation.org
• Organization: Glioblastoma Foundation (501(c)(3) non-profit charitable organization)
• Donation/Support: Can make donations in memory of Neil Peart in support of this award or participate in the 2112 Fundraiser (named after Rush's 1976 concept album)