Orthopaedic Research and Education Foundation (OREF)


The Orthopaedic Research and Education Foundation (OREF) is a charitable 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to improving patients' lives by funding musculoskeletal research that advances clinical practice. Founded in 1955 by orthopaedic surgeons, OREF has awarded over 4,700 grants, providing nearly $150 million in support of musculoskeletal research. The foundation aims to improve clinical care and patient outcomes by advancing innovative research, developing new investigators, and uniting the orthopaedic community in promoting musculoskeletal health. OREF supports the development of investigators through grants and symposia, preparing them for successful careers in orthopaedic research.

Orthopaedic Research and Education Foundation (OREF)

Orthopaedic Research and Education Foundation (OREF)

9400 W. Higgins Road, Suite 320, Rosemont, IL 60018




Key People

Lee Grossman

Chief Executive Officer

Deborah S. Cummins, PhD

Vice President, Grant Programs

John Johnson

Vice President, Individual Development

Dan J. Krupp

Vice President, Innovation & Partnerships

Karen Pubentz

Vice President, Communications


News & Updates

Applications are now available for studies addressing clinical gaps in healing, repair, or diagnostics through devices, biologics, or technology, plus resident research projects and support for NIH K award recipients.

The 2025 OREF Clinical Research Award was presented to Brian J. Cole, MD, MBA, for his body of research in osteochondral allograft transplantation.

Zaamin Hussain, MD, was selected as the winner of the Fourth Annual OREF National Resident Research Symposium.

The Central West Resident Research Symposium recognized several outstanding residents, including Samuel Roswell Huntley, MD, and David S. Constantinescu, MD, for their research contributions.