Professor Cathy Stinear, University of Auckland, is a clinical neuroscientist at Auckland City Hospital working with patients to promote recovery following stroke. Professor Stinear and her team are striving to improve the rehabilitation outcomes of those affected by stroke across New Zealand. Her work focuses on using biomarkers and prediction tools to tailor rehabilitation for individual patients, maximising their recovery. Professor Stinear is also the Chair of Neurological Foundation’s Governing Council and was Chair of the Neurological Foundation Scientific Advisory Committee from 2015-2019. Professor Alan Barber, University of Auckland, is also a clinical neurologist and Clinical Lead of the Auckland City Hospital Stroke Service, Taiao Ora.

Professor Barber and his team introduced the clot-busting drug alteplase, which became New Zealand’s first-ever acute stroke treatment. In 2011, the team then introduced the revolutionary stroke clot retrieval treatment, where a catheter is used to remove the clots that cause stroke, significantly improving neurological outcomes and saving hundreds of people from a disabled future. Professor Barber is the Chair of Clinical Neurology, funded by the Neurological Foundation to bridge the gap between research and clinical treatments for neurological disorders.