The Neurology/Neurosurgery Student Interest Group (SIGN/AANS Affiliated) of the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University is excited to announce the 8th Annual Student Neurosurgery/Neurology Research Conference, a student-led event showcasing medical student research in neurosurgery, neurology, and related neuroscience fields that has had participants from all over the world!

Due to the success and wide reach of our virtual format in recent years, this year’s conference will once again be held virtually on Saturday, December 6th, 2025, from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM ET.

This conference is organized by students for students, with the goal of fostering a connected network of future neurosurgeons and neurologists, while providing an opportunity to practice important academic skills such as research presentation and scientific communication. Abstract submission and attendance is free!

We are now accepting abstract submissions:

• The top 3 abstracts, selected by a panel of residents and faculty, will be featured as oral presentations during a plenary session.
• All other accepted abstracts will be presented as short talks during a morning presentation session and will be judged live for awards.

Highlights of this year’s virtual conference:

• Monetary awards (sponsored by the Brown Medical Alumni Association) for the top 3 abstracts selected for plenary presentation
• Certificate awards for the top 2 neurosurgery presentations and top 2 neurology morning presentations
• A lunch hour patient panel, where individuals will share their experiences with neurological procedures, recovery, and life after treatment
• This year’s conference will open and close with addresses from four distinguished physician-scientists at the forefront of neurology and neurosurgery:

1. Dr. Petra Klinge, MD, PhD – Professor of Neurosurgery at the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University and internationally recognized for her pioneering work in the surgical treatment of brain tumors, hydrocephalus, Alzheimer’s disease, and complex congenital disorders such as Chiari malformation and spinal dysraphism. Dr. Klinge is a leading voice in advancing neurosurgical care for both pediatric and adult patients through clinical innovation and translational research.
2. Dr. Jonathan Cahill, MD – Board-certified neurologist at the Multiple Sclerosis Center of Rhode Island and Associate Professor of Neurology at the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University. Dr. Cahill is a respected expert in neuroimmunology and multiple sclerosis, with an extensive publication record, including his role as co-editor of Clinical Neuroimmunology: Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders. His work bridges clinical excellence with cutting-edge research in neuroinflammation and demyelinating diseases.
3. Dr. Jeffrey Schweitzer, MD, PhD – Neurosurgeon at Massachusetts General Hospital, where he serves as the George A. Lopez, MD Endowed Chair in Neurosurgery and co-founder of the MGH Multidisciplinary Facial Pain Program
4. Dr. Dimitri Krainc, MD, PhD – Chair of the Department of Neurology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, renowned for his groundbreaking research in neurodegenerative diseases and translational neuroscience

You can access the abstract submission and registration form here:
🔗 https://forms.gle/H4Z5WySYQVCb2oKH7

🗓️ Abstract submission deadline: 11:59 PM ET on October 24th, 2025
📬 Notification of decisions: Early November

We would love to welcome submissions from any student who may be interested in presenting their work in neurology, neurosurgery, neurocritical care, or neurointerventional fields. Students also have the option to attend without submitting an abstract. More information can be found in the attached flyer. If you have any questions, please contact us at neuroig@brown.edu. We look forward to seeing your work and welcoming you to the conference!

Warmly,

The Neurology/Neurosurgery Student Interest Group (SIGN/AANS Affiliated) of The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University