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HUNTINGTON’S DISEASE SOCIETY OF AMERICA ANNOUNCES 2025 BERMAN-TOPPER FAMILY HD CAREER DEVELOPMENT FELLOWSHIP
PROMISING POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHER AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN AWARDED PRESTIGIOUS GRANT TO SUPPORT CAREER IN HUNTINGTON’S DISEASE RESEARCH
New York, NY — [Aug 7, 2025] — The Huntington’s Disease Society of America (HDSA) is proud to announce the latest recipient of the Berman-Topper HD Career Development Fellowship, a key program aimed at investing in the next generation of scientific leaders in Huntington’s disease (HD) research.
Dr. Elizabeth Tidwell, a postdoctoral fellow in the lab of Dr. Melanie Ohi at the University of Michigan, was selected for the 2025 award after a highly competitive international application cycle. Her selection reflects the Fellowship’s mission to retain the best and brightest early-career scientists in the HD field by providing crucial multi-year funding and mentorship during a pivotal stage in their careers.
The Berman-Topper Fellowship, made possible in part by the generosity of the Berman and Topper families, provides up to $100,000 per year for three years to outstanding postdoctoral scientists or clinicians who are committed to building a long-term career in HD research. This year, HDSA received outstanding applications from promising researchers around the world, each bringing innovative ideas and a passion for improving the lives of families affected by HD.
“I’d like to congratulate Dr. Elizabeth Tidwell on receiving this fellowship,” said Michael Berman. “We’re thrilled to support her work and confident she’ll make important contributions to our understanding of HD.”
Dr. Tidwell’s project, entitled “Determining the structure of Huntingtin RNA and RNA-protein complexes using single particle cryo-electron microscopy,” seeks to understand how the CAG repeat expansion in mutant HTT RNA may alter its 3D structure and disrupt interactions with RNA-binding proteins. Her research uses advanced cryo-electron microscopy to generate detailed models that could help explain early molecular dysfunction in HD. These insights may ultimately inform future therapeutic approaches.
“Elizabeth Tidwell is exactly the kind of promising scientist we hope to welcome into the HD field through this fellowship,” said Dr. Tamara Maiuri, HDSA’s Associate Director of Research and Patient Engagement. “Her work tackles a complex HD question with state-of-the-art tools, and her commitment to public outreach and advocacy makes her a true asset to the community. We’re proud to support her journey into HD research.”
The Berman-Topper Fellowship is a cornerstone of HDSA’s research strategy, designed to ensure that promising scientists have the resources, stability, and encouragement they need to stay in the HD field. By supporting bold and innovative science from emerging leaders, this program continues to fuel critical progress toward understanding and treating Huntington’s disease.
For more information about the Berman-Topper Fellowship and HDSA’s research initiatives, visit www.hdsa.org.
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Huntington’s disease is a fatal genetic disorder that causes the progressive breakdown of nerve cells in the brain. It deteriorates a person’s physical and mental abilities during their prime working years and has no cure. Each child of a parent with HD has a 50/50 chance of inheriting the faulty gene that causes HD. Today, there are over 41,000 symptomatic Americans and more than 200,000 at-risk of inheriting the disease. The symptoms of HD are described as having ALS, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s – simultaneously.
The Huntington’s Disease Society of America is the premier nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of everyone affected by HD. From community services and education to advocacy and research, HDSA is the world’s leader in providing help for today and hope for tomorrow for people with HD and their families. To learn more about Huntington’s disease and the work of the Huntington’s Disease Society of America, visit www.hdsa.org or call 1-800-345-HDSA.
