NRF Awards $1.58 Million for Neurosurgical Research

The NeuroSurgical Research Foundation is proud to announce a total of $1,579,584 in funding for 30 research projects and initiatives in 2025/2026. This major investment supports work in brain tumour research, traumatic brain injury, stroke, neurodegeneration, and Parkinson’s disease, alongside essential equipment, t raining, and support services.

This funding round continues NRF’s mission to drive advances in neurosurgery and neuroscience that directly improve patient care and outcomes.

“This funding supports research that has the power to change lives — from improving survival rates to enhancing quality of life for patients and their families,” said Ginta Orchard, Executive Officer of NRF.

Funding Overview

• Over $800,000 for brain tumour and brain cancer research

• $219,313 for traumatic brain injury (TBI) research

• $250,000 for stroke, neurodegeneration, and Parkinson’s disease research

• Over $94,000 for surgical equipment and training

• $167,500 for patient support services

Key Research Areas and Projects:

Brain Tumour Research

• A/Prof Hien Le – SAHMRI – Brain Tumour Glioblastoma: $50,000

• Dr Adam Wells – Royal Adelaide Hospital – Brain Tumour Glioblastoma across 3 years 2025–2027: $250,000

• Dr Helen Palethorpe – University of Adelaide – Brain Tumour Glioblastoma: $50,000

• Prof Cedric Bardy – SAHMRI – Brain Tumour Low-Grade Gliomas: $50,000

• A/Prof Lisa Ebert – Centre for Cancer Biology – Brain Tumour Glioblastoma: $50,000

• Dr Chloe Shard – University of South Australia – Brain Tumour Immunotherapy (In Memory of John Griffen): $49,963

• Assoc Prof Pascal Duijf – University of South Australia – Brain Tumour Glioblastoma: $42,000

• Dr Briony Gliddon – University of South Australia – Brain Tumour Glioblastoma (Funded by Munno Para Foodland): $50,000

• Dr Nicole Wittwer – University of Adelaide – Brain Malignancies (In Memory of Mark Weber): $50,000

• Dr Olivia Morris Hanon – University of South Australia – Brain Tumour Glioblastoma: $49,959

• Dr Nirmal Robinson – University of South Australia – Brain Tumour Glioblastoma: $49,964

• Prof Stuart Pitson – University of South Australia – Brain Tumour Glioblastoma (In Memory of Elise Ross): $40,340

• A/Prof Lisa Ebert – Centre for Cancer Biology – Brain Tumour Glioblastoma (James & Diana Ramsay Foundation): $100,000

Support Services and Training

• Brain Cancer Support Nurse – Support Service: $25,000

• Brain Cancer Support Service: $45,500

• SETL PhD – Dr Dione Gardner-Stephen $32,000

• Neurosurgical Training Service: $65,000

Equipment

• SONOCA 300 Generator – Equipment (Wilkins Family Foundation): $76,345

• LEVICS Instruments – Equipment (In Memory of Imogen Cenko): $18,200

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Research

• Dr Laura May Carr – University of Adelaide – Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): $44,845 Crowley Fund

• Lola Kaukas – Royal Adelaide Hospital – Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): $49,968 Crowley Fund

• Dr Mark Plummer – Royal Adelaide Hospital – Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): $49,500

• Dr Aniket Nadkarni – Royal Adelaide Hospital – Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) across 2025/2026: $75,000

Stroke, Neurodegeneration & Parkinson’s Disease

• Dr Angus McNamara – Stroke Research: $50,000

• Madeleine Holmes-Vickers – University of Adelaide – Parkinson’s Disease Research: $50,000

• Assoc Prof Matthew Griffith – University of South Australia – Neurodegeneration: $50,000

• Dr Fergal Ryan – Flinders University – Stroke Research: $50,000

• Dr Jorn Van Der Veken – Royal Adelaide Hospital – Aneurysm/Stroke: $50,000