Stroke, Parkinson’s disease, methamphetamine addiction & more: Exceptional breadth of research in latest Neurological Foundation funding round 

Total funds awarded: $2,495,993 
Total number of grants: 21  

A cooling cap used during stroke treatment. Brain development in children born preterm. Apathy caused by Alzheimer’s disease. The changes in people’s brains as they quit methamphetamine. Assisting natural waste-clearing in Parkinson’s disease. Restoring bladder function in people with spinal injury. Traumatic brain injury in athletes, and what it means long term. 

This is just some of the potentially life-changing research made possible by nearly $2.5 million of new funding from the Neurological Foundation. 

Researchers receiving funding are spread across New Zealand, from the cities (Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin) to smaller centres (Gisborne and Palmerston North). 

Two Philip Wrightson fellowships and three First Fellowships have been awarded – which is the most ever given to early career fellowships in a single funding round. 

The Neurological Foundation’s Head of Research, Dr Sarah Schonberger, acknowledged that times are tough for Kiwi researchers right now. 

“The need for innovation in healthcare and disease prevention is increasing at exactly the same time that investment is shrinking,” Dr Schonberger says. “We are so grateful that our generous supporters are able to make a real difference by helping fund bold, brilliant New Zealand research which holds so much promise for important breakthroughs. 

“When at least one in three Kiwis will be affected by a neurological condition in their lifetime, the work of these researchers is crucial to advancing healthcare and improving people’s quality of life.” 

She says the expert committees that reviewed the early career fellowships were impressed by the calibre of the applicants and were excited by the research that is currently happening in New Zealand. 

The Neurological Foundation is the biggest non-government funder of neurological research in NZ. Last year, the Foundation injected more than $5 million into research – even more than the government’s Health Research Council. 

What is being funded – July 2025 

Project Grants  
Stroke  
Head cooling in ischaemic stroke patients undergoing endovascular thrombectomy: A phase 2 randomised controlled trial (COOLHEAD-2b) 
$299,167 
Principal Investigators: Dr William Diprose, Professor Alan Barber and Dr Doug Campbell, Health NZ Te Toka Tumai Auckland 

Ischaemic stroke occurs when a blood clot blocks an artery in the brain, causing brain damage, disability, and even death. Clot retrieval, a procedure to pull out the clot, can save lives, but delays in reaching specialised hospitals in New Zealand (Auckland, Wellington or Christchurch) often lead to irreversible damage. Lowering a patient’s brain temperature in the ambulance or helicopter on the way to hospital may slow this damage. This study will test whether using a cooling cap during transport and during the clot retrieval procedure itself can protect the brain, reduce long-term disability, and improve outcomes for stroke patients. 

Methamphetamine addiction  
MRI biomarkers of brain recovery and treatment response in methamphetamine addiction: A longitudinal study 
$299,062 
Principal Investigator: Dr Maryam Tayebi, Mātai Medical Research Institute 

Methamphetamine (meth) addiction is a huge problem affecting people's lives across New Zealand, with no effective medicines available yet. This project is investigating how meth addiction affects the brain, and how it might heal during recovery. Using advanced MRI brain scans, researchers will track changes in the brains of people receiving treatment. The goal is to find signs that show who is likely to stay drug-free and who might relapse. By understanding how the brain recovers, doctors can better support people with meth addiction. This research could lead to more personalised treatments, making a big difference in how meth addiction is managed, and helping more people successfully overcome addiction.  

Parkinson’s disease 
Dysfunctional innate immunity at the brain borders as a driver of Parkinson’s disease 
$277,184  
Principal Investigators: Dr Taylor Stevenson and Dr Justin Rustenhoven, University of Auckland 

This research aims to understand how the brain clears waste, and how this process goes wrong in Parkinson’s disease. It will explore how harmful proteins build up around the borders of the brain, causing inflammation and blocking the brain’s natural waste clearing system, and test ways to treat this. By focusing on these areas outside the brain’s protective barrier, which are easier to reach with treatments, this work could lead to new ways to slow the progression of Parkinson’s disease. In the future, the findings of this study may also help to guide treatments for other age-related conditions like Alzheimer’s disease. 

Taylor has also been awarded a Philip Wrightson Fellowship - see below. 

Multiple sclerosis  
Regulating chemokine networks in the central nervous system 
$211,400 
Principal Investigator: Professor Anne La Flamme, Victoria University of Wellington.  

This research explores a new treatment approach for brain inflammation seen in diseases like multiple sclerosis (MS). It focuses on Tet-29, a synthetic molecule that helps regulate immune cell movement into the brain, reducing harmful inflammation while allowing normal immune function. Using animal models, the study will examine how Tet-29 interacts with specific chemical signals that guide immune cells. The goal is to develop safer therapies that target just the damaging immune responses while maintaining the healthy ones, potentially benefiting people with neuroinflammatory conditions such as MS, Alzheimer’s disease, and traumatic brain injury. 

Preterm brain injury  
STAMP: School-age Tracking and Assessment with MRI in Preterms 
$179,110 
Principal Investigator: Dr Caroline Walker, The University of Auckland 

This research investigates how early brain scans in babies born moderately-to-late preterm (MLP) relate to their brain development and learning abilities at school age. Researchers have found that many MLP babies show early signs of brain changes that disappear by full-term age. By scanning these children again at age 6–7, the study aims to see if those early changes affect later brain growth and development. The findings could help identify children at risk earlier, leading to better support, early interventions, and improved long-term outcomes. 

Philip Wrightson Fellowships  
Traumatic brain injury  
Brain health in collision sports: Linking early-life changes to long-term clinical outcomes using multimodal neuroimaging  
$263,984 
Dr Joshua McGeown, Mātai Medical Research Institute 

Many athletes in collision sports suffer repeated head impacts, which may lead to brain damage and higher risk for neurodegenerative disease. This damage is often “invisible” because there is no noticeable bruising or swelling, and standard medical imaging doesn't show abnormalities. This research project uses clinical data and advanced brain scans from both active and retired athletes to track how head impacts affect the brain over time. In collaboration with the Former Athlete Brain Health Research program in Australia, this fellowship aims to understand whether early brain changes persist, progress, or recover. By studying both active and retired athletes, the aim is to identify early signs of brain damage and develop better ways to prevent and treat injuries. 

Parkinson’s disease 
Targeting brain border immune pathways to enhance waste clearance in Parkinson's disease 
$235,694 
Dr Taylor Stevenson, University of Auckland 

This research aims to understand how the brain clears waste, and how this process goes wrong in Parkinson’s disease. It will explore how harmful proteins build up around the borders of the brain, causing inflammation and blocking the brain’s natural waste clearing system, and test ways to treat this. By focusing on these areas outside the brain’s protective barrier, which are easier to reach with treatments, this work could lead to new ways to slow the progression of Parkinson’s disease. In the future, the findings of this study may also help to guide treatments for other age-related conditions like Alzheimer’s disease. As part of the fellowship, Dr Stevenson will travel to Washington University in St. Louis to learn the latest imaging techniques for this exciting new area of research. 

First Fellowships  
Rare neurodevelopmental disorders  

Investigating the nELAVL family and their involvement in neurodevelopment and disease. 
$228,652  
Miss Meghan Mulligan, University of Otago 

This fellowship will study how changes in specific genes (ELAVL3 and ELAVL4) may cause brain development disorders. These genes help control proteins which are vital for healthy brain function. The research project will investigate how changes in these genes affect protein behaviour inside cells, and may negatively impact brain development. By identifying the genetic causes of development disorders, families receive answers and can get more personalised support and clinical care. This research aims to provide answers for many families, and increase our understanding of the causes of neurodevelopmental disorders.  

Alzheimer’s disease and Lewy body dementia 
How does cholinergic modulation improve motivation in neurodegenerative disorders? 
$221,357 
Dr Lee-Anne Morris, University of Otago, Christchurch 

This fellowship will investigate how common medications used in Alzheimer’s disease and Lewy body dementia affect motivation. Many people with these conditions experience apathy, which makes everyday tasks harder and lowers quality of life. The research project will test whether these medications help people feel more motivated by improving attention and decision-making. It will also look at brain scans to see if differences in brain structure affect how well the treatment works. The goal is to better understand how these drugs help, so doctors can tailor treatments to each person and improve care for people with dementia.  

Alzheimer’s disease  
Disrupting nuclear HDAC4 condensates to reduce neuronal degeneration 
$201,015 
Dr Hannah Hawley, Massey University 

This fellowship will explore new ways to treat brain disorders like Alzheimer’s disease by targeting a protein called HDAC4, which forms harmful clumps in brain cells. The research project will use an animal model to test genetic and drug-based methods to break up these clumps and reduce their damaging effects. The goal is to help restore brain development and slow down degeneration. Although the work is early-stage, it could lead to future therapies for neurological diseases. The findings may help scientists better understand how brain cells malfunction in conditions linked to aging and memory loss. 

Small Project Grants 
Spinal cord injury  

Examining effects of subdural spinal cord stimulation on bladder function following contusion spinal cord injury 
$20,000 
Principal Investigator: Dr Salvador Lopez, University of Auckland 

This research explores a new way to help people with spinal cord injuries regain better bladder control, helping to prevent infections and kidney problems. Using an animal model, the project will test a tiny implant that sends gentle electrical signals directly to the spinal cord. The goal is to help the nerves heal, and improve bladder function. If successful, this approach could lead to better treatments for people living with spinal cord injuries, improving their independence, comfort, and quality of life. 

Cerebral palsy  
Understanding health service provision for people living with cerebral palsy in Aotearoa NZ 
$18,183 
Principal Investigator: Dr Anna Mackey, Starship Research 

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a lifelong, childhood-onset neurological condition. It is the most common cause of physical disability in childhood, affecting all aspects of life. There is no cure. Instead, there’s a focus on symptom management and prevention of secondary complications, to maximise health and wellbeing. This project aims to better understand the healthcare services and support available. It will combine information from the NZ Cerebral Palsy Register, ACC and Health NZ to see how services differ, including hospital visits, treatment costs, and access to care. The goal is to identify any unfair differences and help improve services. This information will support advocacy efforts for the Cerebral Palsy Society of NZ, and service planning, to help ensure everyone gets the care they need. 

Stroke  
A description of the variation in ICU management of aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage (aSAH) across Australia and New Zealand 
$9,023 
Principal Investigators: Dr Trixy Ng and Dr Chris Hands, Health NZ Te Toka Tumai Auckland 

Aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage (aSAH) is a specific type of stroke that has devastating consequences. Patients often spend time in the intensive care unit (ICU) for close monitoring, rapid diagnosis and treatment. However, specialists in this area are not united in the best approach to care for these patients. This research involves collecting data to understand how different treatments are used in different ICUs. It will identify differences in approaches across Australia and New Zealand – the first step in an ongoing search to provide the best possible care. 

Education and Training Grants  
Functional Neurological Disorder: Language Matters one-day symposium 
$10,000  
Dr Shelley Dawson, Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington; Dr Eloise Watson, Te Whatu Ora Capital, Coast and Hutt Valley 

Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) is a prevalent and debilitating condition where people experience neurological symptoms that are not caused by structural damage to the brain, but by disruptions in how the brain functions. This symposium is the first in New Zealand, and meets an urgent need for FND education and local research. It aims to connect researchers, clinicians, and people with FND to form a network that will drive education and change. 

NZ Brain Bee 
$1,145  
Associate Professor Deborah Young, University of Auckland 

The annual Brain Bee Challenge is a competition that aims to inspire high achieving high school science students to consider a career in neuroscience. Students take part in a quiz and hands-on neuroscience activities. This year, the Neurological Foundation has provided portable microscopes that project real human brain cells onto a screen to help bring neuroscience to life for students attending the Brain Bee at the University of Auckland’s Centre for Brain Research. 

Travel Grants  
Alzheimer's Association International Conference (AAIC) 
$4,500  
Dr Ashleigh Barrett-Young, University of Otago 

14th International Activity Based Protein Profiling (ABPP) conference 
$4,500 
Dr Daniel Conole, University of Auckland 

International Congress of Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders 
$4,500 
Dr Narun Pat, University of Otago  

International Brain Injury Association (IBIA) World Congress 
$3,956  
Dr Josh McGeown, Mātai Medical Research Institute 

Australia New Zealand Association of Neurologists Annual Scientific Meeting 
$2,521  
Dr Joseph Donnelly, Health NZ Te Toka Tumai Auckland 

Epilepsy Research Institute Conference 2025 
$1,040 
Associate Professor Caroline Beck, University of Otago