Welcome Letter
Hal C. Lewis, Ph.D., DLF Co-Chairperson & David Margulies, M.D., DLF Co-Chairperson | Fall 2022

As Co-Chairs of the Dan Lewis Foundation for Brain Regeneration Research (the DLF), we are pleased to introduce you to the DLF’s first quarterly newsletter—Making Headway: DLF NeuroConnections. This newsletter will bring reviews and updates on research relevant to brain regeneration. Each issue will highlight a prominent neuroscientist contributing to the field of brain regeneration or a research program advancing medicines and methods to accelerate recovery from brain injury, especially for those in the chronic phase of recovery. In this inaugural issue, we will present the story of Dan Lewis, the namesake, and inspiration for our research foundation. You will also find a link that will take you directly to our website, which provides detailed information about the goals and methods of the DLF. In the coming months we will be adding information regarding resources and events that may be helpful for individuals with serious brain injuries and their families.


The overarching goal of the DLF is to pursue biomedical breakthroughs that will one day improve the lives of those affected by serious brain injury. We aspire to make a broad range of biomolecular medicines and other biomedical therapies available to the vast population of people with moderate and severe brain injuries. We will continue to raise funds and direct such funds toward the most promising and empirically supported biomedical therapeutics. In addition, by supporting programmatic research, the foundation aspires to expedite clinical trials - joint efforts between research institutions, biotech companies, and individuals with brain injuries and their families. The DLF is eager to stay in touch with the needs and aspirations of the brain injury community and its allies. Please visit our website. You will find much more detailed information about the DLF’s objectives and activities and ways you can contact us with questions and/or comments.


You have our sincere thanks for your interest in the DLF and your curiosity about the most cutting-edge approaches to brain regeneration and improving recovery rate and function of persons with serious brain injuries.


With best regards and hopeful wishes for the future,

David Margulies, M.D,

Hal C. Lewis Ph.D.


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ARPA-H Announcement Seeks Research Projects in Brain Regeneration

By Dan Lewis Foundation • July 31, 2025
On July 10, 2025, the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) announced a major initiative titled Functional Repair of Neocortical Tissue or FRONT. The announcement states “FRONT will pioneer a curative therapy for the more than 20 million adults in the US living with chronic neocortical brain damage from neurodegeneration, stroke, trauma, and other causes, which costs the country an estimated $800 billion per year. Worldwide, more than 200 million people live with debilitating after-effects of brain damage.”  A set of informational meetings about this program and a due date for outlines of potential proposals have been set for August. Full proposals are due by September 25, 2025. Complete instructions, specifications, and expectations are delineated in the ARPA-H FRONT announcement. The FRONT announcement includes a clear expectation that the successful brain regeneration methods that are discovered will be used in clinical trials with persons with brain injury by the fifth year of the program. The DLF lauds ARPA-H for initiating this program. We are discussing possibilities for playing a supportive role as proposals develop. This exciting program is congruent with the original overarching goals of the DLF and confirms the validity of its mission.
Photo of Dr. Justin Burrell

2025 DLF Prize Awarded to Justin Burrell, Ph.D.

By Dan Lewis Foundation • July 31, 2025
Dr. Burrell is a translational neuroengineer in the Departments of Neurosurgery and Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery at the University of Pennsylvania. His research integrates advanced neural repair strategies with clinical translation, focusing on axon protection, nerve fusion, and engineered neural tissue for neurotrauma recovery. Dr. Burrell has led the development of multiple first-in-field innovations—including the first large-animal model of nerve fusion, delayed axonal fusion protocols, and the first orally active axonal protectants—positioning him as a recognized leader in regenerative neurotechnologies. He is co-founder of Neurostorative LLC and plays a central role in several other platforms aimed at neural reconnection, long-term preservation, and bio-integrated prosthetic systems.