The ESMINT Pilot Research Grant is designed to foster innovation and support investigator-initiated research within interventional neuroradiology. This prestigious award not only highlights emerging research but also provides early-stage funding that helps investigators gather crucial preliminary data. With this, recipients can leverage their findings to secure additional funding from national agencies or foundations, further advancing their important work.

In 2025, the ESMINT Research & Publication Committee, chaired by Aymeric Rouchaud, carefully reviewed the submitted proposals, seeking projects with strong scientific merit and potential for high impact. After an extensive evaluation process, two outstanding projects were selected for funding, each of which addresses critical challenges in neurointervention and stroke care.
Introducing the 2025 Grant Winners

Dr. Leonard Fetscher (Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany) is conducting the META-Pilot study – a prospective single-center registry investigating endovascular therapy for chronic subdural hematomas. Supervised by Prof. Jawed Nawabi, this research systematically assesses the safety and outcomes of middle meningeal artery embolization as a treatment option. By providing real-world data, the study could help refine therapeutic strategies and improve patient care in this challenging condition.

Dr. Alejandra Mosteiro (Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, Spain) is leading the project Endovascular Treatment for Chronic Subdural Haematoma: A Multimodal Assessment of the Impact of Middle Meningeal Artery Embolization on the Integrity of the Subjacent Brain. Supervised by Prof. Ramon Torné Torné, her multimodal approach combines clinical and imaging data to evaluate how this therapy affects the integrity of the subjacent brain. The study is designed to provide deeper insights into treatment effects and patient outcomes.
The official Award Ceremony for the ESMINT Pilot Research Grant took place during the ESMINT Congress 2025 in Marseille. Held on Thursday, 4 September, from 14:30 to 14:45 CEST, the session was a moment of pride and celebration. Attendees gathered to honor the recipients for their groundbreaking work and contributions to the field of interventional neuroradiology. Both Dr. Fetscher and Dr. Mosteiro were invited to present their work briefly during the session, showcasing the significance of their projects and their potential impact on future research.
The atmosphere was one of excitement and hope for the future, as these two young researchers stood at the forefront of neurointerventional care advancements. Their research, made possible in part by the ESMINT Pilot Research Grant, is expected to pave the way for larger-scale studies and innovations that will benefit patients and clinicians alike.
A Special Feature: ESMINT TV Studio
Following the awards ceremony, an exclusive interview was filmed in the ESMINT TV Studio featuring Dr. Leonard Fetscher and Dr. Alejandra Mosteiro alongside Dr. Aymeric Rouchaud. In just a few minutes, they share insights into their 2025 Pilot Research Grant projects and what lies ahead. The session closed with congratulations to all applicants and the hope to share results soon.
This interview, along with many other interviews from the ESMINT TV Studio, is available on-demand, offering a valuable resource for those interested in the latest advancements in neurointervention research.
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More InformationLooking to the Future
ESMINT’s dedication to fostering innovation continues to thrive through initiatives like the Pilot Research Grant. The society remains steadfast in its commitment to promoting research excellence and collaboration. Each year, the ESMINT Pilot Research Grant motivates and supports the next generation of researchers, driving advancements in interventional neuroradiology.
For more details about the ESMINT Pilot Research Grant and future application opportunities, visit the Research Grant Page. The next edition is expected to launch in May 2026.