In every state of Australia, motor neurone disease (MND) researchers are intently focused on better understanding MND to improve the lives of all people impacted by this devastating disease. The MND Research Institute of Australia (MNDRIA) plays an essential role in sustaining this critical mass of expertise.
During 2013–14 MNDRIA continued to be the driving force of MND research in Australia. A record $2.17 million was allocated to 35 new research projects commencing in 2014. MNDRIA is grateful to all supporters whose donations are helping to advance the best MND research in Australia in areas as diverse as genetics, proteomics, cell biology, metabolism, immunology, epidemiology and health care.
In particular we acknowledge bequestors whose foresight and generosity are enabling researchers to make progress in unravelling the mystery of MND. Bequests account for 51% of all funds received by MNDRIA in 2013-14. One magnificent gift of $2.3 million will support the Beryl Bayley Postdoctoral MND Research Fellowship for years to come.
| Named grants supported by major donors and state MND associations in 2014: |
| Bill Gole Postdoctoral MND Research Fellowship |
| Graham Linford Postdoctoral MND Research Fellowship |
| Charles & Shirley Graham MND Research Grant |
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Graham Lang Memorial MND Research Grant (funded by MND Victoria)
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Graham Smith MND Research Grant
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| Jenny & Graham Lang Collaboration Travel Grant |
| Mick Rodger Benalla MND Research Grant |
| Mick Rodger MND Research Grant |
| MND Victoria MND Research Grant |
| Peter Sterne Grant for Familial MND Research |
| Rosalind Nicholson MND Research Grant |
| zo-ee MND Research Grant |
MNDRIA has been supported by the
state MND associations since it was first established in 1984. Boosted by fundraising efforts by their members, associations contributed over $500,000 to MNDRIA in 2013-14. We are grateful for their ongoing commitment to research and also to major donors and foundations who continue to support some of our named grants.
Once again we have received heartening support from individuals who chose to heighten awareness of MND and fundraise for MNDRIA, often in most creative ways! Kim Evans of Devil ‘n’ Me Around Ozee personified the MND motto “Never Give Up” during his epic four-month cycling trip around Australia to honour his brother-in-law Bob Delaney who died of MND. The Laugh to Cure MND campaign that was conceptualised and implemented by Patrick and Angie Cunningham was indicative of their good humour, positivity and grit. Participants in state MND association Walk to d’Feet MND events trod thousands of steps to support MND research, while the CommBank Enterprise Services team walked home from work to raise money for the MND Australia Leadership Grant.
With more researchers funded by MNDRIA each year, publication of successful outcomes is also increasing. Notable publications by MNDRIA-funded researchers in 2013-14 include papers from Dr Justin Yerbury (University of Wollongong) and Dr Bradley Turner (Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health) as co-authors with others who identified misfolded SOD1 as the culprit protein involved in the spread of MND. This paper was published in
Proceedings of the National Academy of Science of the United States of America. Together with UK and US colleagues, Dr Peter Crouch (Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health) investigated at a molecular level how the compound CuII(atsm) affects the protein SOD1 that is related to some cases of MND. Their findings were published in
The Journal of Neuroscience.
Nothing better epitomises the passion and commitment of the Australian MND research community than the annual
MND Australia Research Meeting. In 2013 the Research Meeting program extended across a full-day for the first time. The Meeting was attended by 120 delegates from across the country making it the foremost Australian MND research event on the calendar. The meeting provided upcoming, mid-career and senior researchers with the opportunity to showcase their research and share ideas with the aim of expediting the rate of MND research breakthroughs.
We believe that researchers will one day find a cure for MND. Until that day, we are steadfast in our commitment to supporting the very best MND research in Australia.
Janet Nash
Executive Director Research, MND Australia