Major boost for new Australian research helping fight stroke
The results of seven ground-breaking stroke research projects are one step closer to being delivered in real-life settings after receiving grants that will boost their progress.
As part of the 2024 Stroke Foundation Research Grants Program, researchers from across Australia will share in more than $600,000 to help improve the lives of survivors of stroke.
Stroke Foundation Executive Director Stroke Services and Research, Dr Tope Adepoyibi, congratulated this year’s grant recipients.
“Since Stroke Foundation was founded over two decades ago, investing in research that delivers innovation and improvements to stroke treatment, prevention and recovery has been core to our mission and purpose. I am so excited to be involved in awarding grants to these very deserving projects,” Dr Adepoyibi said.
“All the applicants were of a very high standard and we know these research projects will deliver positive outcomes that will improve lives and help survivors live well after stroke.”
One of the projects being funded aims to help people living with aphasia communicate more easily and effectively via text messages.
Another successful research project focuses on addressing the challenges associated with stroke in Central Australia, specifically focusing on people living in remote locations and Aboriginal Australians.
“Each one of these research projects targets specific and very serious challenges faced by the stroke community and will go a long way in enhancing stroke rehabilitation, delivery of care and support,” Dr Adepoyibi said.
Stroke Foundation’s Research Program funds annual research grants to promote stroke research capacity and generate new stroke knowledge. Since 2008, Stroke Foundation has awarded more than $6.6 million in research grants to more than 220 researchers.
Dr Adepoyibi said the grants would not be possible without the generous support of our wonderful donors including the Tim Glendinning Memorial Fund for Young Adult Stroke.
“These contributions ensure world-class researchers are paving the way for survivors of stroke to ensure they thrive in their recovery. The thoughtful generosity of our donors will continue to improve the lives of survivors of stroke for generations to come."
2024 recipients
Dr Jade Dignam
Codesign of an interdisciplinary intervention to support text-messaging for adults with post-stroke aphasia: The SMS study.
Dr Stephanie Harrison
The Equitable Access to Support for Everyone after Stroke (EASE-Stroke) study: Investigating access to long-term community support for older Australians post-stroke.
Dr Anna Holwell
Our story – the On Country journey of remote stroke.
Dr Laura Joliffe
Establishing the quality of Early Supported Discharge (At-Home) Services on Stroke Survivor Outcomes and Quality of Life.
Dr Sharon Kramer
Exercise in Stroke Rehabilitation (EXIST-Rehab) Developing an implementation strategy for aerobic exercise interventions in stroke rehabilitation.
Dr Muideen Olaiya
Optimising a primary care digital platform to improve the long-term management of people with stroke in the community.
Assoc. Prof. Dana Wong
Co-designing a psychoeducation package to enhance psychosocial wellbeing for young adults living with stroke.
Dr Katharine Brown (McBride)
Leadership development - Aotearoa New Zealand travel to observe co-design methodologies with Māori & Pasifika women.
Dr Brendan Major
Leadership development - Travel to the University College London (UK) to develop collaborations and commence a formal mentoring relationship.
Dr Margaret Moore
Leadership development - Travel to the University of Oxford (UK) to complete a collaborative project on post-stroke cognitive deficits.
Dr John Pierce
Leadership development - Travel to two centres of excellence (UK and USA) to develop understanding of effective co-design of innovative technology solutions for survivors of stroke with aphasia.