CHICAGO — The American Epilepsy Society (AES) is pleased to recognize Walter Koroshetz, MD, FAAN, with its 2026 Extraordinary Contributions to the Field of Epilepsy Award, acknowledging his distinguished leadership in neurological research and his role in advancing scientific discovery across the epilepsy research community.
Dr. Koroshetz currently serves as Senior Scientific Advisor at the Dana Foundation. He previously served as director of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) from 2015 to 2026, following his appointment as deputy director in 2007 and service in several leadership roles in NIH and NINDS programs.
During nearly two decades of leadership at NINDS, Dr. Koroshetz helped guide major national neuroscience research initiatives, including the National Institutes of Health's Brain Research Through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies (BRAIN) Initiative and the NIH Blueprint for Neuroscience Research. He also contributed to programs addressing undiagnosed diseases, somatic gene editing, chronic pain, and neurological injury. His leadership helped strengthen the scientific infrastructure supporting neurological research, including investigations relevant to epilepsy and other disorders of the brain.
Before joining NINDS, Dr. Koroshetz held clinical, academic, and educational leadership positions at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, where his research included pioneering work in Huntington's disease.
His contributions have been recognized through numerous honors, including the International Neuroethics Society's Steven E. Hyman Award for Distinguished Service and the 2026 CURE Epilepsy Founders Award for his leadership in advancing epilepsy research.
Through his commitment to scientific collaboration, research innovation, and public service, Dr. Koroshetz has made an enduring contribution to the neurological research community and the pursuit of better treatments for people living with epilepsy.