Donors thanked for making stroke research grants possible

Stroke Foundation has thanked its donors for their generous contributions, as the charity proudly announced its 2022 Research Grant Round recipients today.

Four innovative research projects, aimed at improving quality of life for survivors of stroke, have been awarded grants. The researchers will share in almost $300,000, made possible through the continued support of donors.

The three Seed Grants (up to $70,000), for early and early-mid career researchers, were awarded to generate knowledge and address evidence gaps in prevention, treatment and recovery. The Lady Marigold Southey Aphasia Research Grant was awarded for the first time, launched through the generosity of Stroke Foundation patron Lady Marigold Southey AC and Stroke Foundation supporters. The purpose of this grant is to support research into which therapies enable people with aphasia to recover.

Stroke Foundation Chief Executive Officer Sharon McGowan said she was thrilled to add the dedicated aphasia research grant to the program this year, because it will bring hope to people with aphasia and their caregivers.

“Aphasia is a debilitating condition that affects speech, comprehension, reading and writing,” Ms McGowan said.

“It affects one in three survivors of stroke, recovery is slow and it is often misunderstood. We are grateful to be in a position to support much-needed research in this area, thanks to our donors.”

Stroke Foundation hopes to continue to offer a dedicated aphasia research grant at least every second year and is calling on the community to follow Lady Southey’s inspiring example by donating now to the Stroke Foundation Research program.

“I am delighted to be part of this important research initiative,” Lady Southey said.

“Too many Australian lives are impacted by stroke and losing your ability to communicate is one of the harshest impacts of this disease. Funding more research into finding ways to help survivors regain their voice after stroke is something I am proud to support.”

Stroke Foundation has awarded almost $5.6 million to more than 200 researchers since 2008.

Stroke Foundation Research Advisory Committee Chair Professor Amanda Thrift congratulated the grant recipients.

“I am thrilled with the calibre of projects awarded in this grant round,” she said.

“It is particularly exciting to see that telehealth technology will play a role in all four projects. This will help ensure our research contributes to making stroke care more equitable and accessible for all Australians, regardless of where they live.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has familiarised the community with telehealth out of necessity. Now it is time to examine the longer-term benefits for stroke to maximise recovery.”

More than 27,400 Australians experienced a stroke for the first time in 2020 and there are more than 445,000 survivors of stroke living in our community.

Sharon McGowan

Stroke Foundation Chief Executive Officer Sharon McGowan. Stroke Foundation’s 2022 Research Grant round was made possible through the continued generous support of donors.

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