New grants for stroke research

Stroke Foundation has stepped up its search for the next great minds in stroke research, adding two new grants to its well established research program.  

The 2019 Research Grant Round builds on its traditional seed grant funding by including two new young adult research grants.

Stroke Foundation will provide the new grants on behalf of two incredibly generous families, who established memorial funds after tragically losing their sons to stroke at the ages of just 36 and 45.  

Chair of the Stroke Foundation Research Advisory Committee Professor Amanda Thrift said these funds would help shine a light onto the area of young adult stroke, the causes and the needs of survivors.

“Stroke is a largely preventable and treatable disease, but for many young adults the cause of their stroke remains unknown and their needs post stroke are often unmet by the healthcare system,” Professor Thrift said.

“There is still so much we don’t know about the mysteries of the brain. Research will help us start to unravel these mysteries and improve our system to support young adult stroke survivors to live well after stroke.  

There is one stroke in Australia every nine minutes and we are on track for that figure to rise to one stroke every four minutes by 2050. 

Professor Thrift said advances in stroke prevention, care and treatment are needed now more than ever.

“Effective research takes time, perseverance and a great deal of funding. However, the rewards when those discoveries come will benefit generation after generation.

“We are inspired by these two families commitment to a better future for young adult stroke in the face of the profound personal tragedy.”

Applications are now open for the 2019 Grant Round. Applications close on 7 September 2018. Areas include:

• Gavin Paul Bennier Memorial Research Grant – Up to $240,000 over three years for research into the early diagnosis, treatment, prevention and cure of Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy induced stroke in younger people. 
• Tim Glendinning Memorial Research Grant – Up to $50,000 for researchers, of any career stage, to identify the issues that are important to young stroke survivors and their families from a consumer perspective.
• Early Career Seed Grants – Four grants of up to $50,000 for early career researchers for pilot or feasibility studies that will be used to inform a larger nationally competitive grant submission. 

Stroke Foundation Chief Executive Officer Sharon McGowan said grant recipients had the potential to influence important changes in stroke practice, policy and knowledge. 

“Too many Australians are dying or being left with an ongoing disability as a result of stroke, but it does not need to be this way,” Ms McGowan said.

“High quality and effective research can provide hope and improve the quality of life for stroke survivors, their families and carers.  

“I encourage researchers to apply for these grants to make a difference and help us in our ongoing mission to prevent stroke, save lives and enhance recovery.” 

More information about the 2019 Grant Round. 

More information about the Tim Glendinning and Gavin Paul Bennier Memorial Funds.