The researchers, from Macquarie’s MND Research Centre and Dementia Research Centre working within the Macquarie University Brain Institute and Clinic, were successful in FightMND’s 2026 Cure Research Grants round, receiving funding across fellowships, Discovery grants and IMPACT grants.
Two of the largest awards, $1 million, three-year Discovery grants will support research led by Associate Professor Albert Lee and Associate Professor Marco Morsch from the MND Research Centre.
Albert will investigate ‘cryptic peptides’ in MND, exploring their potential as new biomarkers for early detection and their role in neurotoxicity. Marco will examine how glial cells may contribute to the spread of TDP-43 (a harmful protein) pathology, with the project mapping this process.
Macquarie University researchers are working to advance our knowledge of MND causes and treatments.
Image: Chris Barlow, Macquarie University
Additionally, Albert has been awarded a $300,000 McCusker Foundation grant by FightMND to test a method for delivering gene therapies to motor neurons and extending their therapeutic effectiveness over time.
Dr Annika van Hummel and Dr Ole Tietz have each received a $720,000 Mid-Career Fellowship over four years.
Annika will investigate why MND develops differently from person to person as a multistep process, while Ole will explore direct nose-to-brain delivery of medications to stop specific TDP-43 degraders that drive MND.
Two additional IMPACT grant projects focused on translating research into new technologies with potential applications in MND will also receive funding support.
Dr Russel Vincent’s project will develop a next-generation RNA-based technology that aims to switch off genes that contribute to the disease. Russel has been awarded $300,000 over two years.
Dr Sina Shadfar has received $299,800 over two years to develop a next-generation multiplex biomarker platform aimed at the early detection and monitoring of disease progression in MND.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research), Professor Sakkie Pretorius said this recognition is a testament to Macquarie University’s global leadership in MND research and clinical care.
“Each day in Australia, two people are diagnosed with MND, and many other rapidly progressing and ultimately terminal neurological diseases. Over the past 30 years, there has been an escalation in the rate of MND in Australia,” says Professor Pretorius.
“At Macquarie, we are committed to doing all we can to achieve our vision of a world without MND. We are at the forefront of cutting-edge research to better understand, diagnose and treat MND.”
From understanding disease development and progression to investigating potential treatments and tools for earlier detection and monitoring, the FightMND funding, represents a combined investment of $4,339,800. It provides substantial support for Macquarie researchers working across multiple fronts against MND.
Dr Bec Sheean, General Manager Programs and Research at FightMND, said that research is an important contribution in changing the lives of people with MND.
“FightMND’s investment is working to support world-class MND research across Australia, bringing together leading researchers focused on understanding the disease and accelerating the development of new treatments,” said Dr Sheean.
“Research underway at institutions including Macquarie University is making an important contribution to Australia’s collective effort to defeat MND and improve outcomes for people affected by the disease.”
The funding is a positive milestone for the new Macquarie University Brain Institute and Clinic that is working to accelerate discoveries that improve the lives of people living with neurodegenerative diseases.
About the Macquarie University Brain Institute and Clinic
The Macquarie University Brain Institute and Clinic is Australia’s first fully integrated institute for dementia, Parkinson’s disease and motor neurone disease (MND) – bringing together specialist clinics, research programs and clinical trials in one dedicated facility.
