NeuroSurgical Research Foundation

12/03/2026

Dr Jorn Van Der Veken has received a $75,000 research grant to investigate the neuropsychological outcomes after elective treatment of anterior communicating artery aneurysms.

Intracranial aneurysms occur in about 2-3% of the population, yet the impact of preventative treatments on cognition remains inadequately studied.

This research aims to better understand these outcomes and help improve patient selection, informed consent, and treatment outcomes.

As part of Brain Awareness Week, Dr Van Der Veken will also present a free webinar on Wednesday 18 March through The Brain Foundation.

Register now: brainfoundation.org.au/brain-awareness-week
Learn more about the research: nrf.com.au/current-stroke-research

11/03/2026

Can mega-dose Vitamin C help treat brain swelling?

Encouraging early results from NRF-supported research suggest it might.

Researchers Dr Aniket Nadkarni and Associate Professor Mark Plummer have been investigating a new treatment using sodium ascorbate, a salty formulation of Vitamin C, to reduce pressure in the brain after traumatic brain injury.

Early findings from pre-clinical models show the treatment can reduce brain pressure while avoiding harmful increases in blood salts - paving the way for a first-phase clinical trial at the Royal Adelaide Hospital.

If successful, this research could lead to the first treatment that both reduces swelling and helps protect brain cells from further damage.

Your support is helping bring discoveries like this closer to patients.

Learn more: nrf.com.au/news/vitamin-c-brain-swelling-treatment-trial

09/03/2026

RAFFLE 30! 🎉

You could win the ultimate $300,000 First Prize Pack, including:

🚙 BMW X3 20 xDrive valued at over $99,000
🚗 Mini Countryman C valued at over $60,000
💰 Over $140,000 in gold bullion
Plus, there are 394 additional prizes to be won, valued at $60,000!

Tickets are just $10 and supports funding vital research that helps improve treatments, outcomes and save lives.

CLOSES 12th MARCH 8pm (AEST)

playforpurpose.com.au/neurosurgical-research-foundation

08/03/2026

This International Women’s Day, we’re celebrating some of the incredible women driving brain research in SA 💜

From the lab to the field, these inspiring scientists are breaking barriers, advancing treatments, and shaping the future of neuroscience.

These trailblazing researchers also teach and mentor the next generation of aspiring researchers and doctors.

Their dedication is helping improve lives, one discovery at a time.

Join us in recognising the brilliance, passion, and leadership of women in science today and every day. ✨

07/03/2026

Stroke affects women differently — yet it’s often overlooked.

In Australia, stroke kills more women than breast cancer, and symptoms can be harder to recognise — leading to delays in diagnosis and treatment.

From pregnancy and hormonal contraception to migraines and menopause, women face unique stroke risks across their lives.

This International Women’s Day, help raise awareness of stroke in women — because recognising the signs could save a life.

06/03/2026

Dr Alistair Jukes is transforming stroke outcomes in SA for adults and children. Hear him describe a life-changing procedure that restores blood flow in minutes - allowing some patients to walk and talk again within moments.

Watch the full video at nrf.com.au

05/03/2026

Some supporters walk alongside us because they believe in research.
Others walk alongside us because brain cancer has changed their world forever.

In 2024, after Company Director Mark Weber received a devastating cancer diagnosis, the Weber family and the team at Surfacing Contractors Australia (SCA) joined NRF Team Neuro for the Adelaide City to Bay. After bravely facing his illness for 14 months, Mark sadly passed away in December 2024.

Led by his son Nathan, they turned heartbreak into action.

In 2025, SCA returned — this time as an official sponsor — raising an incredible $4,575 for brain tumour research.

We recently welcomed Nathan and Felicity to the lab at the Centre for Cancer Biology, where they met Dr Nicole Wittwer and saw firsthand the research their fundraising is powering.

Their support is funding “The Power of Two: A Dual-Target Approach in CAR T-Cell Therapy for Brain Malignancies” — a cutting-edge CAR T-cell therapy project designed to attack brain tumours on two fronts, targeting both cancer cells and the structures that help them grow. This dual-target approach aims to overcome current treatment barriers and improve outcomes for patients facing aggressive brain malignancies.

To the Weber family and the entire SCA team — thank you. Your strength and generosity in honour of Mark is helping drive progress where it’s needed most

04/03/2026

Today is TBI Awareness Day.

Traumatic brain injury can change a life in seconds — but its effects can last a lifetime.

In 2025/2026, thanks to the generosity of our supporters the NRF is proud to fund $580,688 in traumatic brain injury research, supporting South Australian researchers working to improve diagnosis, treatment and long-term recovery.

From predicting concussion recovery to slowing ongoing brain damage, this research is helping shape better outcomes for people living with TBI.

Importantly, 100% of donations and fundraising go directly to research.

Learn more and support the work:
https://www.nrf.com.au/news/tbi-awareness-month-2026

03/03/2026

🧠 Step up for brain research!

Our brand new Brain Socks have arrived, with proceeds supporting vital brain tumour research. Wear them with pride and help make a difference.

Shop now: nrf.supporterhub.net.au/events/brain-socks

02/03/2026

When we think of stroke, we often think of adults.

But in Australia, around 120 babies and 400 children experience a stroke each year.

Childhood stroke can happen before birth, in infancy, or during adolescence. Early recognition and specialist treatment are critical to improving long-term outcomes.

During Childhood Stroke Awareness Week, we’re raising awareness to help more families recognise the signs and access timely care.

At NRF, our researchers are advancing neurosurgical innovation to improve detection, treatment and recovery for young Australians.

01/03/2026

March is TBI Awareness Month, an important time to recognise the impact of brain injury and why ongoing research matters.

Every 4 minutes, someone in Australia is hospitalised with a head injury.

Research plays a critical role in improving outcomes for children, families, and communities affected by TBI.

This March, we encourage you to read more about the research in our latest news article and consider making a donation to support vital TBI research.

Learn more: nrf.com.au/events/tbi-awareness-month

NeuroSurgical Research Foundation (NRF) funds vital research into disease and injury of the brain, spine and nerves.

28/02/2026

Be Bold and Go Gold 💛

Our community came together to wear gold, fundraise, and stand in support of children with brain cancer.

Thank you to everyone who helped raise awareness and fund critical paediatric brain tumour research. Your support is helping drive better treatments and brighter futures for young patients and their families.

You can still be part of this movement - purchase and wear one of our new NRF Gold Ribbon Childhood Cancer Awareness Badges, and share your support on social media using , tagging us!

Grab yours here: nrf.supporterhub.net.au/events/awareness-badges-nrf