Columbus 2025

We are thrilled to invite you to the Annual Society for Research into Hydrocephalus and Spina Bifida (SRHSB) Conference, taking place from August 6–8, 2025, at Nationwide Children’s Hospital and The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio.

Since its founding in 1956, the SRHSB has been committed to advancing knowledge, fostering understanding, and supporting research aimed at the prevention, treatment, and management of hydrocephalus and spina bifida.

In partnership with the Hydrocephalus Association (HA), this conference will bring together leading experts from a wide array of disciplines—including spina bifida and hydrocephalus research, pediatric neurosurgery, orthopedic surgery, complex spinal deformity surgery, urology, fetal surgery, maternal-fetal medicine, neonatology, and biomedical engineering fields driving innovation in patient care. Together, we will share groundbreaking insights and foster collaboration to improve outcomes for patients worldwide.

Highlights

This year’s conference offers a dynamic and diverse program focusing on hydrocephalus, neural tube defects (NTDs), and clinical challenges in pediatric care. Highlights include:

• Keynote Lecture:Delivered by renowned expert Dr. David Limbrick, MD, PhD, addressing groundbreaking advancements in hydrocephalus and spina bifida research.
• Thematic Sessions:Including “Engineering in Hydrocephalus,” “Clinical and Translational Perspectives,” and “Therapeutics and Biomarkers in neural tube defects (NTDs).”
• Poster Session and Networking Reception:Explore cutting-edge research and connect with peers.
• Vision 2030 Roundtable:A forward-looking discussion on the future of NTD management.

Educational Objectives

Attendees of the conference will:

• Enhance their understanding of the latest research in hydrocephalus and spina bifida.
• Explore innovative approaches to engineering solutions and therapeutics in hydrocephalus care.
• Gain insights into spinal deformity, urologic management, and clinical case challenges in NTDs.
• Foster collaboration among interdisciplinary teams to improve patient outcomes.
• Engage with patients and stakeholders to align clinical strategies with patient needs.

Panel Discussions and Workshops

The conference features interactive and collaborative opportunities, including:

• Engineering in Hydrocephalus:Dive into technological advancements and their clinical applications.
• Management of Neural Tube Defects:Focused discussion on optimizing surgical and medical care.
• Roundtable Discussions – Vision 2030:Experts and attendees discuss the evolving landscape of NTD management and future goals.

Networking Opportunities

• Daily Networking Breakfasts:Start your day by connecting with peers, speakers, and stakeholders in an informal setting.
• Poster Session and Networking Reception:Engage with researchers and explore innovative projects.
• Vision 2030 Roundtable:Collaborate with experts to shape the future of pediatric care in NTDs.

Pediatric Neurosurgery Course

A specialized session designed for neurosurgeons, trainees, and clinicians, covering:

• Advanced surgical techniques for hydrocephalus and spina bifida.
• Case-based discussions highlighting complex challenges and innovative solutions.
• Hand-on simulation of fetoscopic prenatal open neural tube defects closure.

Program Overview

Tuesday, August 5, 2025

Arrival of Guests

Wednesday, August 6, 2025

07:00 – 18:00 — Registration
07:00 – 09:00 — Breakfast
09:00 – 09:30 — Welcoming Address
09:30 – 10:30 — Scientific Keynote Lecture
10:30 – 10:45 — Refreshment Break

Session 1: Engineering in Hydrocephalus

10:45 – 11:45 — Invited Speakers
11:45 – 12:37 — Abstract Presentations
12:37 – 13:30 — Lunch Break

Session 2: Engineering in Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus

13:30 – 14:30 — Invited Speakers 2
14:30 – 15:22 — Abstract Presentations
15:22 – 15:30 — Refreshment Break
15:30 – 16:30 — Presidential Debate
16:30 – 17:30 — Poster Session & Networking Reception
17:30 – 18:00 — Annual General Meeting [SRHSB Members Only]

Thursday, August 7, 2025

07:00 – 18:00 — Registration
07:00 – 09:00 — Breakfast

Session 3: Scientific Research and Clinical Management in Hydrocephalus

09:00 – 09:30 — Invited Speaker
09:30 – 10:48 — Abstract Presentations
10:48 – 11:00 — Refreshment Break

Session 4: Scientific Research and Clinical Management in Spina Bifida

11:00 – 11:30 — Invited Speaker
11:30 – 12:22 — Abstract Presentations
12:22 – 13:30 — Lunch Break

13:30 – 14:30 — The Welburn Lecture 

14:30 – 14:45 — Refreshment Break
14:45 – 15:35 — Abstract Presentations
15:25-15:35 – Refreshment Break

15:35 – 16:05 — Invited Speaker

Session 5: Therapeutics, Biomarkers, Experimental Models

16:05 – 16:55 — Invited Speakers
16:55 – 17:52 — Abstract Presentations
17:47 – 18:00 — Amsterdam 2026 Presentation 

19:00 – 21:30 — Society Dinner – Goodale Station

Friday, August 8, 2025

07:00 – 18:00 — Registration
07:00 – 09:00 — Breakfast

Session 6: Community & Stakeholder Engagement

09:00 – 10:00 — Invited Speakers
10:00 – 11:05 — Abstract Presentations

11:10 – 11:20 — Refreshment Break
11:20 – 12:20 — Clinical Case Presentations
12:20 – 13:00 — Vision 2030 Panel

13:00 – 13:15 — President’s Remarks
13:15 – 13:30 — Closing Remarks