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Headlines – Special Edition 12 Doctoral Scholarships Four exceptional students are beginning their doctoral journeys with the support of Neurological Foundation scholarships totalling nearly $660,000. This early-stage funding is critical to developing the next generation of neuroscientists in New Zealand. Spinal injury Nathaniel Singleton University of Auckland $180,368 Nathaniel is investigating a potential new avenue of treatment following spinal cord injury. His research focuses on a protein called Bach2, which increases after injury and is thought to influence inflammation and the repair of damaged nerve fibres. In spinal cord injury, this response can sometimes be too strong and cause more harm than good. Nathaniel hopes to discover whether adjusting the activity of Bach2 could support healing, potentially improving recovery and quality of life for people with spinal cord injury. Rare disorders Ria Knoef University of Otago $179,000 Ria is investigating the rare genetic disorder Coffin-Siris syndrome (CSS), which can cause abnormal facial features and a small head size (microcephaly). Her research focuses on the ACTL6A gene, which is associated with CSS but its role in the condition is unclear. As a result, many people globally, including a New Zealand family with an ACTL6A variant, face uncertainty. This work will help to provide clearer answers for this whānau and others around the world, as well as providing much-needed insight into CSS. Generously supported by the Barker Family Evelyn Jade University of Auckland Miller Scholarship $176,234 Evelyn will study a rare neurodegenerative condition called neuronal intranuclear inclusion disease (NIID). Found mostly in Asia, NIID has recently been diagnosed in Māori whānau in Aotearoa. It is caused by a mutation in a gene called NOTCH2NLC and leads to symptoms such as muscle weakness and dementia. Evelyn’s project aims to establish a research platform for NOTCH2NLC testing in New Zealand to improve diagnosis and understanding, and to lay the groundwork for future development of treatments. Neuropathic pain Luke Bialostocki University of Otago Gillespie Scholarship $124,200 Luke hopes to develop a brain-training programme to help people livingwith neuropathic pain. Rather than reflecting injury in the body, neuropathic pain happens when damaged nerve fibres send incorrect signals to the brain. The symptoms can feel like burning, stabbing or electric shock–like sensations, tingling, or numbness. Lukewill use a promising non-invasive therapy known as EEGneurofeedback to develop a brain-training programme that could help reduce symptoms and support longer-termpain relief. Generously supported by the Gillespie Family Small Projects Parkinson’s disease Dr Prabhat Bhusal University of Waikato $20,000 Levodopa is the standard treatment for Parkinson’s disease, but it requires multiple doses which can be inconvenient for patients. The effects of the treatment can wear off over time and cause complications such as involuntary, uncontrolledmovements. This project aims to develop a new type of tablet that will stay in the digestive system for longer and slowly release levodopa, maintaining more stable levels in the body and reducing fluctuations in movement control.