Progress in brain tumor research does not happen by chance. It is built through strategic investment, scientific collaboration, and a commitment to connecting researchers with the community they serve.
During the ABTA 2025 National Conference session, Advancing Brain Tumor Research: ABTA’s Role and How You Can Learn from Researchers, attendees gained insight into how the American Brain Tumor Association fuels innovation and strengthens the connection between researchers and families facing brain cancer.
In this focused presentation, leading experts outlined how research funding decisions are made, why sustaining the pipeline of discovery matters and how strategic investment today shapes the treatments of tomorrow.
Strategic Investment in Research
In 2024, the ABTA awarded more than $1.1 million to support 25 new research projects across multiple tumor types, including glioblastoma, astrocytoma, oligodendroglioma, meningioma, and brain metastasis. Funded projects span critical areas such as immunotherapy, drug development, epigenetics, DNA repair, biomarkers, and tumor invasion.
Through a diverse portfolio of funding opportunities, the ABTA strengthens the entire research pipeline:
- Basic Research Fellowships support early career investigators
- Discovery Grants advance high risk, high impact ideas
- Research Collaboration Grants promote multi-institutional teamwork
- Medical Student Summer Fellowships cultivate the next generation of scientists
Each investment moves promising science closer to patient impact.
Building a Research Community
The ABTA’s impact extends beyond individual grants. The ABTA Alumni Research Network (AARN), now more than 150 members strong, fosters collaboration, mentorship and shared discovery. Connections formed through this network have led to new grants, publications and partnerships, reinforcing that progress happens faster when researchers work together.
Empowering Patients and Caregivers
The session also walked attendees through how to read and interpret scientific research posters, breaking down how studies are structured and how results are presented. By translating complex research into clear, practical insight, the ABTA gives patients and caregivers the knowledge to engage more confidently in conversations about their care.
To learn more about how the ABTA invests in discovery and advances brain tumor research, watch the full session recording on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lUjh3at3FLs&list=PLTcHii7RGP5hswg4FnMBRmik1Eb3P94Xa&index=6
Continuing the Momentum
Advancing brain tumor research requires sustained investment, collaboration, and community engagement. The progress highlighted in 2025 reflects ABTA’s continued leadership in funding innovative science and strengthening connections between researchers and families.
Registration for the ABTA 2026 National Conference opens in early spring. Stay tuned for updates and join us as we continue advancing knowledge and strengthening the brain tumor community: https://bit.ly/ABTA2026NC
