Neurological conditions — affecting the brain, spinal cord, and nerves — represent one of Australia's largest disease burdens. Stroke, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis (MS), epilepsy, motor neuron disease (MND/ALS), acquired brain injury, and many other neurological conditions collectively affect millions of Australians. Despite their prevalence and impact, neurological conditions are significantly underfunded relative to their burden. Grant funding supports research, community services, and support for people living with neurological conditions and their families.
Scale
- Neurological conditions affect approximately 6.8 million Australians (more than 1 in 4)
- Leading neurological conditions by prevalence: anxiety, depression (intersecting), dementia, stroke, migraine, epilepsy, MS, Parkinson's
- Neurological conditions are among the leading causes of disability in Australia
- The economic cost of neurological conditions in Australia is over $68 billion annually
Key conditions and their impacts
NHMRC
NHMRC is the largest Australian funder of neurological research:
- Competitive project grants
- Investigator grants
- Centres of Research Excellence (neurology, neuroscience)
- Specific targeted initiatives (Dementia Research Mission, etc.)
Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF)
MRFF funds neurological research through:
- Dementia, Ageing and Aged Care Mission
- Traumatic Brain Injury research
- Precision medicine programmes
National Stroke Foundation / Stroke Foundation Australia
Research and quality improvement funding for stroke:
- Stroke quality audit
- Clinical guideline development
- Research grants
Parkinson's Australia
MS Australia
Epilepsy Action Australia and state equivalents
MND Australia (Motor Neurone Disease)
Brain Foundation
Stroke Foundation
Biomedical research
Clinical and health services research
Rehabilitation and recovery
Neurological rehabilitation is evidence-based and underfunded:
- Stroke rehabilitation intensity
- Parkinson's exercise programmes (LSVT BIG and LOUD)
- Acquired brain injury rehabilitation
- Neuroplasticity-based programmes
Community services
Assistive technology
Carer support
Awareness and early recognition
Urgency and progression
For progressive conditions (MND, Parkinson's, some MS), research urgency matters — delays cost lives. Show what your research could achieve and when.
Quality of life focus
Not everything is about cure — quality of life with neurological conditions matters enormously. Applications focused on rehabilitation, symptom management, and daily function are as valuable as cure-focused research.
Carer recognition
Neurological conditions have devastating impacts on carers — particularly for progressive and terminal conditions. Show that your programme recognises and supports the carer system.
Multi-disciplinary approach
Neurological care is inherently multi-disciplinary — neurology, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech pathology, psychology, social work. Show collaboration across disciplines.
Community-building
Rare and complex neurological conditions create community — show how your programme connects people living with the same condition to reduce isolation and share practical knowledge.
Tahua's grants management platform supports neurological disease foundations and health funders — with research grant management, community service tracking, participant outcome measurement, and the reporting tools that help neurological funders demonstrate their investment in better outcomes for Australians living with brain and nervous system conditions.