2026 Research Grants recipients

Associate Professor Elizabeth Lynch - Flinders University

Re-imagining recovery after stroke: a Stroke Recovery College for Young Survivors of Stroke

This project grew from listening to survivors of stroke who often felt abandoned, lost, and uncertain during early recovery. Inspired by Recovery Colleges in mental health, the project aims to provide knowledge, peer support, and identity rebuilding for survivors. The project will co-develop the model with the survivor community and explore its potential to fill a critical gap in post-stroke support.

Professor Monique Kilkenny and Dr Stella Talic – Monash University

Development and implementation of a new minimum set of primary care quality indicators to prevent stroke and heart disease in the Australian community

Stroke and heart disease are leading causes of death in Australia, yet preventable through better risk management. This project will create nationally agreed clinical quality indicators, developed by a multidisciplinary panel, to monitor and improve preventive care. Outputs include a toolkit and manual to help Primary Health Networks (PHN) and software vendors embed these measures into existing systems.

Dr Lilian Carvalho - The University of Melbourne

Younger adults with stroke Taking Charge: a pilot randomised feasibility study to tailor the self-directed rehabilitation program ‘Take Charge’ to a younger chronic stroke population

The Taking Charge program focuses on supporting young Australian survivors of stroke (ages 18–55) living with chronic stroke. This pilot trial will test the feasibility of delivering a program via telehealth, ensuring accessibility and inclusion while focusing on long-term social and emotional wellbeing.

Dr Lachlan Dalli - Monash University

Co-designing the COordinated Medication Prescription and Adherence Support System (COMPASS) for survivors of stroke

Medications for blood pressure, cholesterol-lowering, and blood thinning can reduce the risk of another stroke by up to 80%. But many people stop taking them, often without meaning to. The project will involve working with people with lived experience of stroke, clinicians, and technical experts to co-design a digital health platform to support survivors of stroke in managing their medications.

Ms Dina Pogrebnoy - Western Health

A Phase 2a clinical trial testing the safety and promise of efficacy of digital resources aimed at improving functional outcomes in priority populations undergoing inpatient rehabilitation after stroke.

This project aims to adapt co-designed digital rehabilitation resources to be culturally relevant and accessible for survivors of stroke from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) and socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds. The project will address a critical gap in stroke research and seeks to enhance equity in recovery for underrepresented communities.

Dr Lisa Anemaat - The University of Queensland

2026 Dr Anna Correll Future Leader in Aphasia Research Grant

Shaping future aphasia research priorities with consumers and community leaders

This grant will enable travel to the UK to learn from leading experts in co-design and partner with consumers in research at City St-George’s University of London and Priority Setting Partnership project advisors at the James Lind Alliance. This important opportunity will allow exploration into the development and design of an international collaborative priority setting project, specific to stroke and aphasia.

Dr Matthew Berryman – La Trobe University

2026 Future Leader with Lived Experience

Improving communication recovery for people with aphasia through research collaboration

The project will enable a deepening in expertise in aphasia research through multidisciplinary exploration of technologies such as large language models, virtual reality, and AI for speech evaluation. The project will help identify research gaps, advance therapy in realistic contexts, and support transition into a leadership role within the aphasia and stroke research community.

Dr Tharshanah Thayabaranathan - Monash University

2026 Future Leader

Strengthening community-focused stroke research through leadership and national collaboration

The grant will enable dedicated professional development with access to leadership training, expert mentoring, and new collaborations strengthening Dr Thayabaranathan’s ability to lead co-designed, community-focused stroke research.