$5m gift to have “profound impact” on stroke and MND research

A $5 million donation to The University of Queensland’s prestigious Queensland Brain Institute (QBI) will transform the way world-leading researchers work with patients and doctors. 

UQ Vice-Chancellor Professor Peter Høj said the generous gift from The Brazil Family Foundation would support clinical collaborations in both stroke and motor neurone disease research. 

“This transformative donation from the Brazil family will extend the world-class stroke and motor neurone research being conducted at QBI,” Professor Høj said.

“Introducing a clinical arm to QBI enables clinicians and researchers to work side-by-side with patients to better understand and cure disease.”

QBI Director Professor Pankaj Sah said the gift would enhance the opportunity for QBI scientists to engage directly with patients.

“The Brazil family’s dedication and passion for understanding, managing and preventing neurological disease is inspiring,” Professor Sah said. 

“Their gift will have a profound impact on stroke and motor neurone disease research, and accelerate research through a cross-disciplinary approach.

“As part of QBI’s new clinical arm, I am pleased to announce the appointment of Professor Michael O’Sullivan, an eminent neurologist previously of King’s College, London.

“Professor O’Sullivan will drive QBI’s stroke research efforts, in addition to his new role as Director of the Mater (clinical) Centre for Neuroscience.”

Stroke affects more than 50,000 new Australians each year, is the nation’s third-biggest killer, and is estimated to cost the healthcare system $54 billion per annum.

Media: Donna Lu, communications@qbi.uq.edu.au, +61 405 661 856.