Stroke Research Institute Wins Top Prize At Prime Minister’s Science Awards

The Stroke Foundation of New Zealand is delighted to congratulate the National Institute for Stroke and Applied Neurosciences for winning the main prize at last night’s Prime Minister’s Science Awards.

The prize, Te Puiaki Pūtaiao Matua a Te Pirimia, was awarded to the Auckland University of Technology-based institute for its in-depth investigations into the global impact of stroke.

Led by Professor Valery Feigin, the team has generated transformational research, focussed on creating efficient, cost-effective strategies and tools to reduce the number of strokes in Aotearoa and across the world.

Stroke Foundation Chief Executive Jo Lambert says: “I would like to congratulate Professor Feigin and his team. Their incredible research is closely aligned with the Stroke Foundation’s mission: to prevent stroke, improve outcomes, and save lives.

“It’s fantastic to see their mahi recognised – their award is shared by thousands of stroke survivors across the motu, who are all too aware of the devastating impact of stroke on individuals, whānau, and communities.”

For more than 40 years, Professor Feigin’s research has brought the hidden impact of stroke to light. His team is responsible for the discovery that stroke has become the world’s second leading cause of death and disability.

Jo Lambert says: “This discovery reinforced the urgency of the Stroke Foundation’s work. We know that a stroke tsunami is heading to our shores. Around 9,500 New Zealanders experience a stroke every year and this figure is expected to rise by 40 per cent by 2028. Right now, we’re on target to exceed this.

“By recognising the global impact of stroke, we can begin to urgently ramp up prevention strategies for this life-changing condition and improve health outcomes for people across the world.”

ENDS 

Media enquiries:

The Stroke Foundation of New Zealand

Jamie Medwell, Media and Communications Advisor, jamie.medwell@stroke.org.nz / 027 506 9822

About the Stroke Foundation of New Zealand

The Stroke Foundation is a national charity in New Zealand focused on the prevention of and recovery from stroke. For over 40 years we have actively promoted ways to avoid stroke and dedicated ourselves to working closely with stroke survivors across the country. The generosity of New Zealanders enables us to help thousands of stroke survivors every year, providing them with critical services to ensure the best possible outcomes – not just for themselves, but also for their family/whanau and carers too. To find out more about the Stroke Foundation, go to www.stroke.org.nz

Jamie Medwell | Media and Communications Advisor | Stroke Foundation of New Zealand
Ph 04 472 8099 M 0275069822
jamie.medwell@stroke.org.nz | www.stroke.org.nz
Postal PO Box 12-482, Thorndon, Wellington 6144 | Physical Level 1, 97 Molesworth Street, Thorndon 6011
Switchboard: +64 4 472 8099 | Freephone 0800 STROKE (0800 78 76 53)

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