The National Headache Foundation supports research in the field of headache and pain as part of our mission, which also includes offering education and information to people living with migraine disease and headache disorders.

The NHF has provided more than $2 million in 215 research grants to physicians and scientists working in the field of headache medicine. These research studies have resulted in more than $10 million of subsequent funding from the National Institutes of Health. The list below consists of research projects supported by the NHF through our grants program.

Research Proposals

Experienced researchers and research organizations are encouraged to apply for an award by describing a worthy project in 12 type-written pages or less, including a description of the project, methods, statistical plan, key personnel to be involved, and a proposed budget detailing how the funds will be used to complete said project in a timely fashion. Brief letters of support from collaborators and biosketches of key personnel will be accepted as supplemental documents to the proposal.   The actual number and amounts of awards granted will all be at the discretion of the research steering committee whose decisions are final. Pre-proposal contacts to discuss the NHF’s vision and research priorities are welcome via email to Dr. Timothy R. Smith, research steering committee chair, at [email protected].

Preference will be given to proposals for projects which:

  • Could be completed in one to two years 
  • Propose research which is patient centric an includes patient input into design
  • Emphasizes and leads to results which could have real world application for people living with headache disorders in the near-term
  • Have potential or plans for supplemental, matching, sustainable, or in-kind funding sources
  • Provide answers or solutions to real-world problems dealing with access to care, implementation of innovations in headache management, or develop new ways of understanding the plight of those who suffer from severe headache disorders
  • Are of sufficient rigor and quality to be worthy of publication in a peer-reviewed journal

The decision regarding the award will be made by the NHF Research Steering Committee after review of all proposals by its members. The awards will be determined by a majority vote of the committee members and the decision will be final. Should the proposals received not meet the approval of the committee, the funding will be carried over to the next quarter continually. Once all funds for the current year are committed/awarded, further submissions will be queued until the next year’s funding is announced and made available.

Inquiries, questions, or comments should be submitted by email to the Research Committee Chair, Dr. Timothy R. Smith @ [email protected] 

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Become a subscriber and receive updates & news.