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3 Working hard to turn the world around Thankfully, brilliant researchers are hard at work seeking to make a real difference in people's lives. Every day they’re tackling disease with smart science and innovation, and every hour they move closer to finding much-needed answers. Because of the incredibly generous support of our donors, we’re able to invest in groundbreaking ideas that give us all hope. It’s brain research, but it comes from the heart. This report focuses on impactmade in the 2023/24financial year. Each story is part of somethingbigger.Work that began years or even decades ago is showing results today. Meanwhile, investment in brand-new ideas – often superchargedby newtechnologies – is just starting.We’rewatchingwith great optimism. As well as investing in home-grown research, the Neurological Foundation is helping to grow researchers themselves. We respect the uniqueness of every researcher, and recognise that they deserve to be nurtured. When several scientists featured in this report had personal life changes, they asked for flexibility in funding – and we gave it. For example, we’ve accommodated parental leave by extending research agreements, or funded an assistant to ensure work can continue. Early-career researchers have built skills and confidence at various conferences and workshops. Their appreciation is obvious, and they always acknowledge donors with heartfelt gratitude. Meanwhile, we’ve empowered Kiwis by providing evidence- based information about lifestyle choices that we can all make to improve our health. So, while we wait excitedly for breakthroughs that seem inevitable, we can each have a hand in turning our own world around. One in three Kiwis will be affected by a neurological condition. It could be your friend or loved one. It could even be you.