Dr. Aden Mendoza Receives 2026 Neil Peart Neurosurgery Research Award - Glioblastoma Treatment & Research

Glioblastoma Foundation Names Dr. Aden Mendoza a 2026 Neil Peart Research Award Recipient

The Glioblastoma Foundation is pleased to announce that Dr. Aden Mendoza, MD, a neurosurgery resident at Duke University Medical Center, has been selected as a 2026 Neil Peart Neurosurgery Research Award recipient. The fellowship was established in memory of Neil Peart (1952–2020), the legendary drummer and lyricist of the Canadian rock band Rush, who passed away from glioblastoma in January 2020. The program supports promising neurosurgery residents who are committed to advancing research on this disease and improving the lives of the patients it affects.

Dr. Mendoza has shown a strong commitment to glioblastoma research throughout his scientific and medical training. His research focuses on the molecular basis of glioblastoma. Molecular and genomic markers can be used to not only diagnose glioblastoma, but also to measure response to treatment, among other things. As a Neil Peart Fellow, Dr. Mendoza will receive support from the Foundation to continue this work during his neurosurgical residency.

“We are delighted to welcome Dr. Mendoza as a 2026 Neil Peart Fellow,” said Gita Kwatra, PharmD, MBA, CEO of the Glioblastoma Foundation. “We established this fellowship to encourage young neurosurgeons to pursue glioblastoma research throughout their training and, ideally, their careers. By supporting the next generation of neurosurgeon-scientists, we aim to advance research that leads to better treatments for patients with glioblastoma.”

“I am very grateful to the Glioblastoma Foundation for supporting this important research to determine the interactions between medications, the blood brain barrier, and the molecular response to glioblastoma treatment,” said Dr. Mendoza.

The Neil Peart Neurosurgery Resident Fellowship provides annual research support that is renewable for the duration of residency, contingent upon continued involvement in glioblastoma research.

Building on its history of supporting neurosurgery residents since 2020, when the award was started, the program aims to connect current and past fellows, fostering collaboration, mentorship, and a lasting commitment to glioblastoma research.

Please join us in congratulating Dr. Mendoza and wishing him continued success in his research endeavors!

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