Support the Great Brain Race

Teams of neuroscientists throughout New Zealand are racing to uncover the brain’s secrets - before their funding runs out!

It may sound like a new reality show, but sadly it is real life. Unless brain research receives more funding we face a major public health threat from the social and economic burden of brain disorders

But the reality is that even well-established research groups with proven track records can be forced to dismantle if they cannot get long-term funding.
The current economic downturn, insufficient investment in neuroscience research and rising costs mean there is less research money to go around - but the need is no less urgent.

To help raise the necessary funds, the Neurological Foundation has an annual appeal week, which from July 5 to 11, 2009.

Neuroscientists are still far from curing most of the major brain disorders, but to make inroads into diseases such as Alzheimer’s, stroke or Parkinson’s requires continued basic research that can lead to the development of new treatments and therapies.

Donate now to help us continue this vital work.

It is estimated one in five New Zealanders will suffer from a brain disorder in their lifetime and these can be devastating, not just on the sufferer but also on their families and caregivers.

The Neurological Foundation is an independent body that raises money to support neurological research and education in New Zealand. The Foundation is funded by individual New Zealanders, with more than 98% of contributions coming from donations and bequests.

Donations are capitalised and the interest is used to fund research grants. This system provides ongoing funding for career scientists and long-term research projects. All grant applications are internationally peer reviewed to ensure only high-quality research is funded. Last year, the Foundation gave close to $1.9 million in grants to researchers and students, covering a wide spectrum of neurological disorders.

Over the last decade alone, the Foundation has funded hundreds of projects and currently supports more than 70 research studies being run at tertiary institutions throughout the country.

This unique dedicated funding body has helped produce world-class researchers and students. It also uses the combined expertise and detailed knowledge of this group to inform the public about advances made in neurological disorder prevention and cures.