Help us understand the brain and make a world of difference to people facing devastating brain disorders, which account for over 20 per cent of the disease burden in Australia.
Together we can understand more about the brain, improve treatments and, importantly, develop preventative tools as well as long-term treatments for brain and mental health disorders such as dementia, schizophrenia, motor neurone disease, and anxiety and depression.
Philanthropy at QBI has helped us take our research to clinical trials and spend time following blue sky neuroscience to find answers to complex health challenges.
The power of philanthropy
Breakthroughs in brain research are happening now. Thanks to the generosity of philanthropic partners, QBI researchers are accelerating discoveries that deepen our understanding of the brain and translate into real-world impact; changing lives today and into the future
Advancing dementia research through a dedicated centre of excellence
Established in 2012 through the vital support of philanthropic partners, including the Clem Jones Foundation, the Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research (CJCADR) has become a global leader in dementia research. Its work is advancing our understanding of how dementia begins and progresses, while driving the development of future diagnostics and therapies. These emerging breakthroughs are the result of sustained, incremental discovery, made possible by philanthropy that recognises the transformative potential of dementia research to improve millions of lives worldwide.
Philanthropy driving fundamental research in motor neurone disease
Established through the vision and generosity of Ross Maclean, and continued by his son Jeff Maclean AM and the Index Group, the Ross Maclean Senior Research Fellowship for Motor Neurone Disease at QBI is advancing fundamental research into the neurological mechanisms underlying this devastating condition. Created in collaboration with QBI’s inaugural Director, Professor Perry Bartlett, the fellowship is one of the few in Australia dedicated to basic MND research. Ongoing support from the Maclean family is enabling sustained scientific progress, ensuring that discovery-driven research continues to build the foundations for future therapies.
Progressing research into dementia prevention
Philanthropic support from the Stafford Fox Medical Research Foundation continues to drive progress in the fight against dementia. The Foundation supports an international fellowship for Professor Steven Zuryn to address stroke-induced (vascular) dementia, as well as ongoing research by Emeritus Professor Perry Bartlett and Dr Daniel Blackmore exploring how exercise can improve cognition and help prevent dementia in ageing. This sustained support is enabling researchers to tackle dementia from multiple angles — turning scientific insight into meaningful outcomes.
The Brazil Family Foundation has had a major impact on our research
Lyn and Bobbie Brazil established the Brazil Family Program for Neurology in 2017, enabling us to support four laboratories.
Giving back: The McCusker Charitable Foundation
In April 2023, the McCusker Charitable Foundation made a generous philanthropic gift of $1 million to the Queensland Brain Institute (QBI) to fast-track research to develop its world-leading therapeutic ultrasound approach as a treatment for dementia and potential RNA therapies.