In 2003 a small group of Neuroradiologists had a common interest and expertise in a variety of functional neuroradiology techniques. This group of founding members which included Andrei Holodny, John Ulmer, Jeffery Petrella,  Jay Pillai, Timothy Roberts,  Scott Faro, and Joseph Maldjian, began discussing a need for a new medical society and were instrumental in the formation of the American Society of Functional Neuroradiology (ASFNR).

The new society would encourage and facilitate the introduction of Functional Neuroradiology into clinical neuroradiological practices, develops standards for the practice of Functional Neuroradiology, supports Functional Neuroradiology research, and would be an educational resource for practicing physicians and  scientists in this new and evolving field.

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During the  formation of the society there was continued support and encouragement from Victor Haughton who at this time was the president elect of the ASNR.  At the RSNA, in December 2003, the group began to formalize the society and to form the ASFNR constitution. In June of 2004, at the 42nd annual ASNR meeting in Seattle, Washington,  the ASNR executive committee officially approved the ASFNR as a specialty society of the ASNR.

The objectives and purposes of the ASFNR are to: encourage and facilitate the introduction of Functional Neuroradiology into clinical neuroradiological practice, develop and support standards for the practice of Functional Neuroradiology, develop and support standards for the training of neuroradiologists in functional imaging, promote a close fellowship and exchange of ideas between neuroradiologists and colleagues in related fields including basic science researchers, and foster research in Functional Neuroradiology.