DOCUMENT

6 | NEUROLOGICAL FOUNDATION CEO's report Kia ora! I am delighted to present you the 2019/20 financial year’s annual report. Everything you are about to read has been made possible by you, our supporters. Your passion, dedication and generosity is why $4.8 million was invested in the continuation of neurological research in the 2019/20 financial year. Each year, we at the Foundation are humbled that we can fund ground-breaking and innovative research, year after year, and it is all because of you. volunteered is greatly appreciated, as we know the hope these projects hold for so many of you. Last year we created a second committee to assist with the granting of fellowships, scholarships and summer studentships. The Personal Awards Committee (PAC) held its first round of application reviews in the 2019B grant round and awarded 12 fellowships, scholarships and summer studentships. Thank you to the committee members for helping the Foundation make the best decisions possible when funding future scientists and clinicians. There were many projects funded in the past year that stand out, but one in particular has moved me. Professor Lynette Sadleir, from the University of Otago, and her new research project looking at epilepsy in Māori children. As some of us will know from previous research into epilepsy, it is a common and very serious neurological disorder. Did you know that Māori children in the Wellington region are four times more likely to have epilepsy than non- Māori children? Professor Sadleir is looking at the causes of why this is and how potential preventative measures can be taken. This research has the potential to change lives. This project stood out to me because of its community focus. Our supporters are a community of people, who come together to support and encourage neurological research. I clearly remember talking to one of our supporters not long after Throughout the 2019/20 financial year, you have helped fund a grand total of 53 successful applications for neurological research. Of those successful applications, 10 were large projects, 12 were small project grants and 12 were fellowships, scholarships and summer studentships. Additionally, we were able to support training and international collaboration by funding 14 travels grants and 5 conference and training course grants, bringing the grand total of funding in neurological research for the 2019/20 year to over $4.8 million. This total also includes funding for the Chair of Clinical Neurology and the Neurological Foundation Human Brain Bank, which celebrated its 25th anniversary in May of 2019. Your continued encouragement and support of neurological research moves these scientists and clinicians one step closer to finding potential treatments and therapies for many of the 700+ neurological conditions that exist. It is heart- warming to see so much compassion for improving the future for people everywhere. I would also like to thank the members of the Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC), former and new, who have helped with the decisions that went into funding 41 applications for projects. It is not an easy task, as the Research Manager and committee receive well over 100 applications each year. Nevertheless, their expertise and time