Opening doors to discovery: FightMND travel grant recipients attend PACTALS 2025

At the beginning of September, six Australians with lived experience of motor neurone disease (MND) gathered in Melbourne for PACTALS 2025 and the 12th MND Australia Care Forum. Their attendance was made possible through FightMND’s Travel Grant program, which removes barriers to ensure lived experience is represented at the forefront of MND research and care. 

Breaking down barriers to participation 

As part of FightMND’s broader Care Strategy, the Travel Grant was designed to empower people living with MND, genetic carriers and carers to engage directly with the latest research and care innovations. By covering travel-related costs such as flights and accommodation, the grant makes it possible for recipients to attend in person. Ensuring their voices are included in the global conversation. 

A seat at the table of global innovation 

This year’s PACTALS conference, themed “Towards Precision in ALS/MND Treatments”, brought together leading researchers, clinicians and advocates from around the world to explore cutting-edge developments in treatment and care. The MND Australia Care Forum, titled “From Discovery to Delivery”, focused on turning research into real-world support for people living with MND and their families. 

For FightMND Travel Grant recipients, the opportunity went beyond attending presentations. It meant contributing to the future of MND care and research. Participants were chosen not only for their lived experience but also for their passion, advocacy, and commitment to shaping Australia’s MND landscape. 

As recipient Anthea Smith explains: 

“Travel grants like this remove barriers and make sure the voices of carers and people living with MND are present in spaces that shape research and care. For me, it’s not only about supporting my husband and local community, but also about ensuring lived experience continues to bring heart and humanity to the global MND conversation.” 

This sense of purpose was echoed by Aaron Hinttala: 

“I’m looking forward to sitting in and learning about cutting edge research in the field of MND/ALS. Also, it’s always good to meet others going through a similar struggle.” 

For Joel Forsyth, the grant was recognition of his years of effort: 

“As a carrier of a MND gene, the grant means the effort I have put into fundraising and awareness is being recognised. I look forward to meeting others in the same scenario as me.” 

Amplifying voices, building community 

Beyond the science, the grant also gave recipients a platform to connect, share and strengthen community bonds. 

Grant recipient Pagie Higgins reflected: 

“As someone from the familial MND community and a genetic carrier living at heightened risk, receiving a FightMND PLEx travel grant has given me the opportunity to learn about the latest research and developments that directly affect us. It enables me to share highlights with others in my community, contribute our voice to key conversations, and support stronger peer connections. It also ensures my own understanding stays current when contributing to national and international projects, including guideline development.” 

Fellow participant Michael O’Hehir shared: 

“I feel so fortunate that there is such strong support from MND Australia and the local State associations as well as Fight MND to allow me and my wife to attend this important conference. I’m excited to meet with others connected to the MND community so that we can all learn from each other and share with the community of MND warriors and their carers.” 

Looking ahead 

The FightMND Travel Grant is more than financial support. It’s about breaking down barriers so people with lived experience can take their seat at the table of discovery and innovation. With up to $5,000 for people living with MND and $2,500 for carers and genetic carriers, the grant ensures lived experience is represented where it matters most. 

This year, six Travel Grants enabled Australians to attend PACTALS 2025 and the MND Care Forum. Each of them returned home with new knowledge, stronger connections, and fresh perspectives to share with their communities. Their presence helps ensure that the voices of people living with MND are heard alongside researchers and clinicians. Shaping priorities and driving progress together. 

FightMND will continue to offer Travel Grants in the future, opening doors for more Australians to connect, contribute, and help build a world where no one faces MND alone. 

Stay tuned for updates on the next round of applications.