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ANNUAL REPORT 2020 | 5 COVID-19. A prominent theme from this crisis is the realisation that sensible, applied science provides the only way forward to keep us all safe and secure. This is a very important time to make sure that we keep science alive and productive. With this in mind, the Foundation looked hard at how we support our researchers and their projects. Many of our younger researchers manage on very little money, and they could not go on with even a few weeks of lost pay. Similarly, many research projects could easily wither if they do not have on-going guaranteed funding. The Foundation rapidly resolved to continue payments to researchers throughout lockdown and to guarantee that we will pick up support for their projects when they can get back into their laboratories. Over the years the Foundation has focused on building a sustainable financial reserve to ensure research is not impacted by short term funding issues. COVID-19 is a clear situation where having these reserves will ensure valuable research can get back on track once restrictions are lifted and that research does not stop midway through. I recognise that the Foundation, like all of New Zealand will face a number of challenges in the coming year. With the backing of our supporters and our team, we commit to strengthening the neurological research community, and raising awareness of their achievements. Thank you everyone. DR BARRY J SNOW, CHAIRMAN