NSPA/WINS Henry Messer Award for Advocacy in Neurosurgery
NSPA/WINS Henry Messer Award for Advocacy in Neurosurgery supports advocates’ continued research, education, mentorship, and outreach to advance underrepresented people within neurosurgery.
Funder: CNS Foundation
Due Dates: November 13, 2026 (Applications open) | January 31, 2027 (Applications close) | March 2027 (Winner announced)
Funding Amounts: $1,000 to continue work advancing underrepresented individuals within neurosurgery
Summary: Recognizes sustained contributions to the professional development, mentorship, and advancement of individuals from underrepresented backgrounds within neurosurgery.
Key Information: Nominees must be CNS members in good standing; recipients must attend the subsequent CNS Annual Meeting.
Description
The CNS Foundation’s NSPA/WINS Henry Messer Award for Advocacy in Neurosurgery recognizes an individual whose sustained efforts support the professional development, mentorship, and advancement of people from underrepresented backgrounds within neurosurgery. The award supports continued work in research, education, mentorship, community engagement, or advocacy that strengthens the specialty and advances professional opportunity and participation.
The award honors Dr. Henry D. Messer (1927–2014), who helped increase awareness and support for LGBTQ+ physicians. He practiced as an openly gay neurosurgeon when this was uncommon and supported professional opportunity for people across a broad range of backgrounds within medicine. The CNS Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the Congress of Neurological Surgeons.
