Academy Elects Rochester Researcher Maiken Nedergaard
The National Academy of Medicine recognized the scientist for her breakthrough discovery of a brain waste-clearance system.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Stroke
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The National Academy of Medicine has elected Maiken Nedergaard, a researcher based in Rochester, as a member. Her selection honors her foundational work in identifying the glymphatic system.
Why it matters
The election highlights Nedergaard’s discovery of how cerebrospinal fluid facilitates brain waste clearance. This process is critical for understanding the progression of various neurological diseases.
The National Academy of Medicine elected 90 regular members and 10 international members to its ranks this year. Nedergaard is noted for her discovery of the glymphatic system, a process identified 14 years ago in research involving mice.
The players
Maiken Nedergaard
She is a Rochester-based researcher recognized for her work on the brain's waste-clearance mechanisms.
National Academy of Medicine
This organization serves as an advisor to the nation on health and medicine through the election of distinguished members.
The details
Nedergaard’s research demonstrated how cerebrospinal fluid moves through spaces surrounding blood vessels and directly into brain tissue to remove waste. Her team observed that this waste-clearance activity changes rapidly when mice transition between sleep and wakeful states.
Timeline
2012: Nedergaard and colleagues identified the waste-clearance process.
October 19, 2026: The National Academy of Medicine announced the new members.
The Big Picture
This election follows the National Academy of Medicine membership election process, which annually recognizes scientists who demonstrate exceptional achievement in their respective fields. Nedergaard’s inclusion follows the pattern of the academy’s practice of inducting researchers who have made transformative contributions to medical science.
Understanding the glymphatic system offers new avenues for researchers to develop treatments for neurological conditions. This work changes how medical professionals approach the study and potential management of brain health.
The takeaway
The recognition of Nedergaard’s work emphasizes the vital role of sleep in brain maintenance and waste removal. Future research may continue to build on these findings to better address cognitive health and disease prevention.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest research and clinical developments at the Rochester Stroke section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Fingerlakes1.
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