Advancing Head and Neck Cancer Research, Education, and Care
At the AHNSF, we are dedicated to shaping the future of head and neck cancer treatment through funding groundbreaking research, supporting educational initiatives, and advancing patient care. Our commitment extends to fostering innovation, empowering the next generation of specialists, and improving outcomes for those affected by head and neck cancer.
Through generous contributions and strategic partnerships, we fund research grants, fellowships, and educational programs that drive scientific progress and enhance surgical techniques. Every initiative we support aligns with our mission to improve prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship in head and neck oncology.
Explore the impactful ways we contribute to progress through our awards.
Current Awards
The Alando J. Ballantyne Resident Research Pilot Grant memorializes Alando J. Ballantyne, M.D., a giving teacher, dedicated surgeon, and a devoted husband and father. This award, in the amount of $10,000, is given to the best grant application by a resident. The award utilizes the same forms and guidelines as the Pilot Grant. Note: This award is a one-year award and non-renewable. One award is given per year.
Current Ballantyne Resident Research Grant Award Winner:
Learn more about Dr. Alando J. Ballantyne, the grant, and past award winners.
A founding member of AHNS and the visionary behind the Sydney Head and Neck Cancer Institute, Dr. O’Brien left an indelible mark on the specialty. Following his courageous battle with brain cancer, he passed away in 2009.
The Chris O’Brien Award, honoring the memory of Dr. O’Brien, funds a prestigious lecture at the International Conference on Head and Neck Cancer every three years, celebrating his contributions to the field. It also supports the Chris O’Brien Traveling Scholar Award, enabling a young head and neck surgeon to advance their education in the U.S. or Australia/New Zealand. Help honor his legacy by supporting the Dr. Chris O’Brien International Lecture and Traveling Scholar Award with a donation.
Current Chris O’Brien Traveling Scholar Award Winner:
Learn more about Dr. Chris O’Brien, the grant, and past award winners.
The Investigator Award, presented by the American Head and Neck Society (AHNS) in collaboration with the American Academy of Otolaryngology, supports early-career researchers dedicated to advancing the understanding and treatment of neoplastic diseases of the head and neck.
This prestigious award honors the legacy of Dr. Duane Sewell, a renowned surgeon-scientist and immunologist whose passion for research and patient care left a lasting impact on the field. Open to AHNS fellows and assistant professors, this $10,000 per year award is granted to one recipient annually for up to two years.
Current Young Investigator Award Winner:
Learn more about Dr. Duane Sewell, the Young Investigator Award and past award winners.
Myers Family Summer Diversity Fellowship
The Diversity Summer Fellowship was founded by generous contributions from Drs. Eugene and Jeffrey Myers whose commitment to increasing diversity in the ranks of head and neck cancer surgeons is made manifest by this fellowship.
The Fellowship offers trainees from traditionally under-represented minority backgrounds the chance to work in a Department of Academic Excellence in Head and Neck Surgical Oncology that has an approved Fellowship Training Program from the Advanced Training Council of the AHNS. Awardees will be assigned to a clinical faculty mentor and will rotate on his or her clinical service. Summer fellows will also have the opportunity to perform basic, translational, clinical, or population based research under the guidance of a chosen/assigned research mentor.
Current Myers Family Summer Diversity Fellowship Award Winners:
Pilot Research Grant
Open for residents, fellows, junior faculty for pilot research in head and neck related topics. This is a $10,000 award (maximum total costs) for one year, and it is non-renewable. One award is available per year.
Current Pilot Research Grant Award Winner:
Randal Weber Best Paper Award for Quality, Safety and Value Based Care
Open for residents, fellows, junior faculty for pilot research in head and neck related topics. This is a $10,000 award (maximum total costs) for one year, and it is non-renewable. One award is available per year.
Current Pilot Research Grant Award Winner:
Previous Awards
Award Winners:
2018: Caitlin P. McMullen, MD
2017: Kendall K Tasche, MD
2015: Brian Nussenbaum, MD
2014: Ardalan Ebrahimi, MPH, MD
Surgeon Scientist Career Development Award (with AAOHNS)
Open to surgeons beginning a clinician-scientist career track to support research in the pathogenesis, pathophysiology, diagnosis, prevention, or treatment of head and neck neoplastic disease. This is a $70,000 award (maximum total costs) for two years, payable as $35,000 per year. One award is available per year.
Award Winners:
2009: Neil Gross, MD
2007: Maie St. John, MD, PhD
2005: Jeffrey Moyer, MD
Translational Innovator Award
Previous Award Winners
2018: Travis P. Schrank, MD, PhD
2016: Matthew Spector, MD
2015: Jose Zavallos, MD
2014: Seungwon Kim, MD
2013: Luc Morris, MD