RSNA R&E Foundation Funds $4.7 Million in Critical Research in 2025

OAK BROOK, Ill. (Sep. 15, 2025) – The Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) Research and Education (R&E) Foundation Board of Trustees has approved more than $4.7 million in grants this year to support emerging, high-impact, and underfunded fields in medical imaging.

The 2025-26 grants represent a dynamic range of research and education projects that address critical unmet needs across the spectrum of imaging science and patient care. Each funded project is poised to fill vital gaps in the field, advancing knowledge and clinical practice in areas where innovation is urgently needed.

"Thanks to the unwavering support of our donors, even during a time of uncertainty in research, we are able to continue pressing forward with our mission," said Pamela Woodard, M.D., chair of the R&E Foundation Board of Trustees. "The generosity of our donors drives groundbreaking innovation, keeps hope alive, and enables us to move science forward when it matters most. We are truly thankful for the ongoing support of our community."

The R&E Foundation was able to fund 29% of its applications in 2025, supporting researchers and innovators at 55 institutions.

Funding from research grants protects the critical time necessary for investigators to explore complex, high-impact projects, laying the groundwork for future clinical applications. This year's grant projects tackle topics including breast cancer, head and neck cancers, Crohn's disease, lung cancer, gene therapies for chronic venous disease, liver cancer, hypoxic brain injury, child abuse, dementia, thyroid disease, prostate cancer, Parkinson's disease, pediatric epilepsy, the combination of imaging with "liquid biopsy" to assess hepatocellular carcinoma risk, and the impact of chronic environmental stressors on children's brains.

Among the 2025 research grant recipients is Hyun Soo Ko, M.D., an associate professor at the University of Melbourne Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre. Dr. Ko's team will explore the use of advanced artificial intelligence and genetic analysis of blood samples to help predict and manage muscle wasting in patients with colorectal cancer. Hers is the first RSNA R&E Foundation grant awarded to a researcher in Australia.

Meanwhile, R&E Foundation education grants address learning gaps at institutions across North America and the world. The 2025 Derek Harwood-Nash International Education Scholar Grant, for example, introduces cerebral mechanical thrombectomy techniques to Tanzania, enabling clinicians to treat acute stroke using an internationally proven interventional radiology training model.

The Foundation also awarded nine Emerging Issues grants for projects in two timely areas: advancing the use of AI for radiology screening exams and addressing the radiologist workforce shortage with sustainable quality, safety and service standards.

For the 2026 funding year, the Foundation has introduced six Priority Focus Area Topics, targeting urgent challenges in imaging science such as theranostics, pediatric care, cybersecurity and access in vulnerable populations. These topics will be integrated across all grant types, with investigators able to indicate alignment during submission to help spotlight high-impact research that addresses emerging trends and unmet clinical needs.

To date, the RSNA R&E Foundation has awarded nearly $88 million in funding since its inception in 1984. The generosity of donors makes these projects possible. During the week of September 15 – 21, the Foundation hosts its 2025 Week of Giving, encouraging the community to donate in honor of its legacy of generosity and unwavering commitment to radiologic research and education. Donors can:

• Visit Giving to the Foundation
• Text RadFuture to 71777
• Call 1-800-381-6660
• Contact Linda Flo, Fund Development Manager (lflo@rsna.org) to learn about creating a fundraising page.

Applications for most 2026 R&E Foundation grants open in October. To learn more about the 2025 awardees and the upcoming application period, visit RSNA.org/Foundation.