Big Boost for Neurotrauma Research

[L to R]: Ms Louise Daw, Prof Lyn Beazley, Prof Alan Robson, Mr David Prast, Prof Peter Klinken, Prof Frank Mastaglia, Clinical Prof Bryant Stokes

An $8 million funding boost from the West Australian Government for WAIMR's internationally-renowned Neurotrauma Research Program (NRP) is helping to keep WA at the forefront of neurotrauma research.

The five-year commitment will allow scientists to step up research into the treatment and repair of brain and spinal cord injuries. Already scientists from the NRP, led by UWA Professor Lyn Beazley, have made significant breakthroughs to stimulate nerve fibre regrowth in injured spinal cord and brain. The funding will assist the researchers to build on these advances and develop improved therapies which help neurotrauma patients recover and provide better quality of life.

Road crashes are the leading cause of neurotrauma. In 2005, 335 people were hospitalised in WA with significant brain or spinal injuries as a result of road crashes. The annual economic impact of neurotrauma on the WA community is estimated to be more than $150 million.