NRF 2025 Research Showcase & AGM

NRF 2025 Research Showcase & AGM

Celebrating Innovation, Impact, and Investment in Brain and Spine Research:

The NeuroSurgical Research Foundation (NRF) proudly hosted its 2025 Research Showcase and 59th Annual General Meeting on Thursday evening, bringing together a passionate community of researchers, clinicians, donors, volunteers, and supporters to reflect on a year of extraordinary progress.

NRF President Dr Nick Vrodos

A key highlight of the evening was the unveiling of the NRF 2024/2025 Annual Report, marking a record-breaking year for the organisation. In 2025, the NRF awarded $1.6 million in research funding—the highest amount in our history—supporting vital projects that aim to improve the treatment and outcomes for people affected by brain and spine conditions.

We were honoured to announce the recipients of the inaugural Donald Simpson Neuroscience Scholarships, established in memory of the late Dr Donald Simpson AO. These prestigious scholarships support the next generation of neuroscience researchers, whose work is already making a meaningful impact in their respective fields:

• Sidra Khan – Brain Tumour Research

• Reeya Chetan Patel – Spinal Cord Injury / Paediatric Neuro-Oncology

• Rosie Costigan-Dwyer – Stroke Research

• Isaac Saywell – Parkinson’s Disease Research

Pictured left to right: Dr Glenn McCulloch, Sidra Khan, Isaac Saywell, Reeya Chetan Patel and Rosie Costigan-Dwyer

The evening also featured presentations from leading researchers whose work is at the forefront of innovation in brain and spine health:

• Dr Briony Gliddon – The South Australian Brain Tumour Research Landscape

• Dr Rebecca Hood – No Reflow in Ischaemic Stroke

• Dr Angus McNamara – Detecting Parkinson’s Risk After Brain Injury

• Dr Cedric Bardy – Repurposing Trifluoroperazine for Glioblastoma

• Associate Professor Quenten Schwarz – Paediatric Brain Cancer Research

Pictured left to right: Dr Angus McNamara, Dr Rebecca Hood, Dr Briony Gliddon, Dr Cedric Bardy and A/Prof Quenten Schwarz

These presentations offered valuable insights into the progress being made across a range of neurological and neurosurgical research areas, and highlighted the dedication and expertise driving change in the field.

We extend our sincere thanks to everyone who contributed to the success of the event and to the ongoing work of the NRF—our researchers, neurosurgeons, staff, volunteers, donors, and community partners. Your support continues to make an enormous difference in the lives of patients and families impacted by neurological conditions.

To read more about our impact over the past year, the full 2024/2025 Annual Report is available here.