The WashU Medicine Department of Neurology is dedicated to advancing the understanding and treatment of neurological disorders through both clinical and basic science research.
We believe that integrating research into residency training is one of the best ways to develop critical thinking skills, scientific curiosity and lifelong learning habits. All full-time faculty members are actively involved in research, and residents are encouraged to explore their own interests through projects within the Department of Neurology or across WashU Medicine’s extensive neuroscience research community.
Residents stay connected to ongoing discoveries through regular conferences, departmental presentations and university-wide research events. In addition, visiting scholars from leading institutions provide valuable perspectives on emerging advances and opportunities throughout the broader neuroscience community.
Explore research resources
- Research labs
- Alzheimer Disease Research Center
- Hope Center
- Multiple sclerosis/neuroimmunology
- Neurofibromatosis Center
Research training programs
NINDS R25 program
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) UE5 program supports the development of future physician-scientists by providing research training opportunities for residents and fellows.
Since 2018, ten neurology residents in our department have received support through UE5 funding, allowing them to pursue meaningful research while advancing their clinical training.
Learn about the NINDS UE5 program »
NIH StARR R38 program
Full title: Infectious Disease/Immunology Stimulating Access to Research in Residency (ID/IMM StARR) program at WashU Medicine
The NIH StARR R38 program provides funded, mentored research experiences for neurology residents, particularly those with limited prior research exposure. Participants may dedicate a year or more to research focused on neuroimmunology, neuroinfectious diseases and related fields while working closely with established investigators.
Opportunities
Postdoctoral research opportunities
Explore additional training and career development opportunities available through WashU Medicine’s neuroscience research programs.
Explore postdoctoral research opportunities »
Department research
Residents have access to a world-class neuroscience research environment with opportunities to collaborate with faculty, explore specialized research centers and pursue projects across a wide range of neurological disciplines.
Resident symposium
Residents are encouraged to participate in research during elective rotations throughout their second and third years of training, and many contribute to peer-reviewed publications during residency.
Each year, residents present their work at the Neurology Academic Symposium, which showcases a wide range of scholarly activity, from case studies and clinical investigations to basic science and translational research. While all residents are invited to participate, PGY4 residents are required to present a research poster.
Outstanding presentations are recognized with the Leonard Berg Prize for Resident Research, highlighting exceptional scholarly achievement and innovation.