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CHAIRMAN'S REPORT 2002
| The Neurological Foundation celebrates the 30th Anniversary of its first research project this year. In 1972 five projects were approved, at a cost of $28,200. The system used in those days was to set a budget for a three-year period; the first budget provided $65,000 over that period and therefore the average commitment for each of the first three years of the Foundation's life was just under $22,000. The contrast 30 years later is extraordinary: for the year I am reporting on, 1 April 2001 to 31 March 2002, over $1 million has been committed to 18 new projects.
The Neurological Foundation continues to follow a policy laid down by our founders of funding research from investment income. Bequests and donations are capitalised (unless there is a specific direction otherwise), and then a budget is set which reflects the estimated income. This system allows a degree of certainty for career scientists and long-term research programmes. While individual projects are still competitively and rigorously assessed, the main criterion is the standard of the research rather than fluctuations in the level of bequests or donations in any one year. Our policy is to fund good quality research - obviously we are constrained by our resources but as far as possible a project which meets the requisite standard is funded.
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John Burton (Chairman-Neurological Foundation National Council) |
The last two years have been difficult times for investors. International events and in particular the terrorism of September 2001 have impacted on all markets, with investment returns much lower than we have experienced; many experts believe that current levels are more realistic and it is clear that the days of returns of 10 per cent and more are over. Investment management has become a much more specialised activity and the Foundation has recently taken steps to ensure that its assets are prudently managed and that income does not fluctuate wildly . We believe that with careful management and the continuing support of our donors, our million dollar research budget is sustainable and it is our intention to confirm that budget for next year.
I want to emphasize that it is not just a matter of careful, prudent management. That is terribly important, of course, but just as important is the generous support of our donors. New Zealanders of all walks of life support the Neurological Foundation, not because they want to perpetuate the organization but because they want to achieve a result. They are seeking the outcome of a better understanding of neurological disorders - better treatment and, if possible, prevention of these devastating diseases. Achieving that outcome is the task of the organization - committees, staff, volunteers, doctors and scientists. I believe that the organization, by dint of commitment and a lot of hard work, is attaining those outcomes. There is much to be done, of course. In many respects we are just taking the first steps on a long path, especially in the area of gene therapy. In other areas we have made significant progress. Treatment for many neurological disorders has improved greatly during the last 30 years. Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, migraine, dystonias, and many others can all be treated reasonably successfully; the treatment of other diseases such as multiple sclerosis has also changed significantly for many patients. It is now possible to control some of the symptoms in motor neurone disease and delay the progression of Alzheimer's disease. Neurosurgery has improved as a result of technology and better drugs and the refinement of surgical techniques. Our overall understanding of the way the brain and nervous system work has increased to the point where really significant improvements in treatment can be expected in the foreseeable future.
Our success is the result of the efforts of a large number of people over many years. It starts with our members and supporters, of course, and I am most grateful to all of you. The Foundation's ability to run a major research and education programme is entirely the result of your generosity. To my Council colleagues; to members of the Scientific Advisory Committee; to volunteers who work both in the Divisions throughout New Zealand and at the National Office; to the staff of the National Office and also to our Community Liaison Officers, I express my appreciation. You are all vital components in this endeavour to search for the causes of neurological disorders and look for ways to alleviate the suffering that results from them. Thank you all.
John Burton
Chairman
National Council
Click here to view the Chairman's Report 2008
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Click here to view the Chairman's Report 2006
Click here to view the Chairman's Report 2005
Click here to view the Chairman's Report 2004
Click here to view the Chairman's Report 2003
Click here to view the Chairman's Report 2001
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