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Message fromour Chief Executive Kia ora koutou, It’s my great pleasure to welcome you to Headlines 150. This very special issue of our supporter magazine is a celebration of science, its impact over time, and the ongoing hope it offers us all. The breadth of research funded in our latest grants round (see page 10) is exceptional. Pioneering researchers are receiving $3.2 million, fuelling investigation into a range of conditions including migraine, perimenopause, traumatic brain injury & Parkinson’s disease. Successful applicants are spread across five centres: Auckland, Waikato, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin. This shows the interconnected nature of neuro research and emphasises the fact that great work is happening across Aotearoa. Times are tough for researchers right now, so this has been an optimisticway to kick off the new year. The generosity of supporters like you ismaking real impact in 2026 – and far beyond. I’m so pleased to share with you an extraordinary, updated figure: the Foundation has now given more than $90 million to neurological research since 1972. That’s huge. As you know, with investment comes breakthroughs. Slowly but surely, we’ve seen remarkable progress across the years. On page 4 you’ll find an interview with our Chief Medical Advisor, Dr Neil Anderson, offering an insider’s view of clinical advances spanning more than three decades. As an organisation, we are so fortunate to have access to his vast experience and expertise. Finally, I love the story of the two Dr Kathryn Jones (page 17), unearthed as our team put together this special edition. These remarkable post-research journeys – one in teaching, the other in the world of innovation – show how early investment in researchers’ careers can have far-reaching benefits, not just for them, but for our entire nation. Thank you for your ongoing interest and support. It’s so appreciated. Mā te wā, Rich Easton, CEO Headlines is a Neurological Foundation publication. Editor Danelle Clayton Contributor Glenda Kane Design The Design Cellar Ltd ISSN 0114-9768 Your Supporter Care Team Connecting you with the right person to help. If you have any questions, contact or communication preference updates, our friendly team would love to hear from you. Phone: 0508 272 467 Email: info@neurological.org.nz Website: www.neurological.org.nz If you are not a current subscriber to Headlines and would like to receive this free publication four times a year, please contact us and we’ll add you to our mailing list. Scan the QR code to read previous Headlines issues on our website. Headlines is printed on paper from responsible resources Contents 4 A chat with our Chief Medical Advisor – celebrating 150 issues 8 Concussion then and now 10 Our latest $3M funding round 14 Cerebral palsy care set to change in New Zealand 17 Two Miller Scholars, two decades apart, two incredible careers – and just one name Headlines – Special Edition 2 Charities Commission Registered No. CC 10341 Patron, Her Excellency, the Right Honourable Dame Cindy Kiro, DNZM, QSO, Governor-General of New Zealand.