The development of the strategy has been overseen by a Research Advisory Committee chaired by Professor Richard Smallwood. Committee members include Associate Professor Julie Bernhardt, Dr Erin Lalor, Associate Professor Chris Levi, Professor Richard Lindley and Ms Susan Williams.

View the NSF Research Strategy.

Postgraduate scholarships now available

The National Stroke Foundation and Heart Foundation are offering postgraduate scholarships for research into the prevention, causes, diagnosis, treatment and long term support for stroke.  Find out more

The National Stroke Foundation has awarded four research grants to further research into rehabilitation or quality of life after stroke as the first step in its research program. The four grants were awarded from a field of high quality submissions, to the following people: 

• Dr Toby Cumming, National Stroke Research Institute, VIC
  The effect of very early mobilisation after stroke on cognitive impairment, depression and quality of life.
  
  Many stroke survivors experience cognitive problems, which are stronly related to poor recovery.  Screening for cognititve deficits after stroke is difficult. this study seeks to identify a valid tool for measuring cognitive impairment that can be incorporated into rehabilitation trials.  Furthermore, the relationships between cognitive problems, disability, depression and quality of life will be examined.
  
  

• Dr Jonathan Sturm, Gosford Hospital, NSW
  A simple intervention to prevent depression and improve quality of life after stroke.
  
  Depression after stroke is common and is associated with poor quality of life.  Effective strategies to prevent the development of depression after stroke may also reduce anxiety, increase participation in rehabilitation programmes, improve physical function and quality of life. This study will look at a simple yet practical prevention strategy by use of regular postcards to connect with the stroke survivor.
  
  

• Stacey George, Repatriation General Hospital, SA
  An evaluation of rehabilitation of vision following stroke.
  
  The project will evaluate the usefulness of a visual scanning program for people following stroke.  A group who receive visual scanning therapy, for six weeks will be compared to a group who do not, in terms of their vision, ability to perform daily tasks and quality of life.
  
  

• Dr Annie McCluskey, The University of Sydney, NSW
  Translating evidence into practice: Helping people with stroke to get out of the house.
  
  People with stroke often cannot walk far or drive a car.  Social isolation is common. The National Stroke Foundation has funded a project to address these problems.  Occupational therapists will provide a series of visits to increase confidence, community mobility and transport options. Research shows that these visits can double the number of journeys by people with stroke.
  

National Stroke Research Institute

The National Stroke Research Institute was a subsidiary of the National Stroke Foundation until July 1 2007. At this time, The National Stroke Research Institute (NSRI) amalgamated with the Howard Florey Institute and the Brain Research Institute to form the Florey Neuroscience Institutes.

The National Stroke Foundation’s Board believes that the NSRI’s participation in the new Florey Neuroscience Institutes will attract and retain high-quality researchers, enabling a broader and richer stroke research agenda leading to improved clinical outcomes for patients.  The Board also believes there is potential for expansion of clinical work at the Austin Hospital.

The Board considers that there could be a role for the NSF to assist the new organisation in disseminating its research findings to educate the community and influence government policy development.

The new organisation will work to be one of the ten leading neuroscience research institutes in the world within a decade.

The Florey Neuroscience Institutes is a $150 million project with funding from the Victorian and Australian governments, philanthropic foundations and private donors.  When complete it will have 500 researchers working in new buildings at the Austin Hospital and the University of Melbourne.