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28 Growing impact: Investing in the next generation Every day, researchers like Dr Amy Smith and Dr Thomas Park lead cutting-edge neuroscience to tackle pressing health challenges. As they edge towards breakthroughs that could transform lives, they’re mentoring exceptional student researchers – passing on skills that they, in turn, learned fromexperts. Dementia researcher Amy returned toNew Zealand in 2021 after honing her expertise atOxfordUniversity and Imperial College London, whileThomas has built his career in brain cancer research at theUniversity of Auckland’sCentre for BrainResearch. They first crossed paths as PhD students, learning their craft under the guidance of world-renowned neuropharmacologist Professor Mike Dragunow. Today, and now great friends, they’re paying it forward by mentoring the next generation. “In the space of aPhDstudent’s three years, we usually see a really significant step-up in understanding,” saysAmy. “It’s rewarding to see students bringing new ideas, questioning oldways of thinking, forming relationships, and collaborating sowell.They’rebuilding their own research generation.” Their current teams include three Neurological Foundation-funded PhD students. Amy supervises Mikayla Chetty (Alzheimer’s disease) and Jean Yu Lim (dementia), while Thomas co-supervises BenWatkin (glioblastoma) with Mike and Dr Justin Rustenhoven. Ben is also advised by Dr Jena Macapagal Foliaki. “Science requires two things, smart minds and money,” says Thomas. “The Foundation has been vital in growing the next generation. They fill the gap where early- to mid-career researchers fall.” Amy agrees: “The Foundation’s funding is crucial, especially for student stipends, which allow research to continue.” They both emphasised the impact their work could have. “Delaying dementia, for example, would reduce the incidence and significantly improve quality of life for countless families,” says Amy. Similarly, progress in brain tumour research could help reduce damage caused by radiation therapy. “These breakthroughs will benefit generations to come,” saysThomas. “I love the theory and problem-solving. I see research asmaking a career out of learning.” BenWatkin “In neurological research you are really at the forefront of finding stuffout.” MikaylaChetty “It would be cool if the three of us came back and formed our own lab groups one day.” JeanYuLim