Research is our only path to discovering new treatments and a cure to defeat the Beast that is motor neurone disease (MND).
Cure investment
Motor neurone disease is complex, with various forms and unknown causes, making it unlikely that a single treatment will work for everyone. Funding this research increases our chances of breakthroughs, but it is a lengthy and costly process.
Our commitment to finding a cure is built on four key pillars:
- Funding world class research: We invest in top-tier research through a rigorous and competitive grants program aligning with the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) grants process.
- Capacity building: We enhance the capacity and capability of the MND research workforce through scholarships and fellowships.
- Infrastructure: We make targeted investments in critical infrastructure that supports MND research in Australia.
- Knowledge exchange: We facilitate the sharing of knowledge across the national and international MND community.
These investments ensure that MND research in Australia remains competitive and world-leading, driving us closer to better treatments and a cure for MND
2024 Cure investment
In 2024 we’re investing $15.44 million into research projects so we can get closer to finding effective treatments, and a cure.
This funding supports 25 projects and 5 career development awards, including:
- 4 drug development projects
- 7 discovery projects
- 11 Improving and Accelerating Translation (IMPACT) projects
- 2 infrastructure projects
- 1 Massey Charitable Trust grant
- 1 mid-career research fellowship
- 4 early career research fellowships
Meet our researchers
Dr Margreet Ridder
In MND, motor neurones are overactive. This is detrimental to their health and leads to their death. Dr Margreet Ridder is researching whether a gene therapy that slows down motor neuron activity improves their health and prevent MND.
Based at the University of Queensland, Dr Ridder is the inaugural recipient of the Dr Ian Davis OAM Award. The Award recognises and celebrates research excellence and innovation in his honour. It is awarded to the top-ranked grant of the year.
Dr Ridder is a first time recipient of FightMND funding.
10 years of Cure impact
Since 2014 we’ve invested over $100.67 million into Cure projects. This investment has helped transform Australia into a central hub for MND research. With this investment:
- More than 600 Australians have had access to clinical trials supported by FightMND.
- Fifteen clinical trials have been funded at 10 sites across Australia.
- Thirty-four drug development grants have supported the development and progression of potential treatments through the drug development pipeline.
- 22 researchers have received scholarships and fellowships to support their progress in MND research.
People living with MND now have more opportunities to participate in research or clinical trials throughout Australia. It is proof of the accelerating progress we are making to end MND.
From clinical trials to drug development projects, it is research like this that will help us find more effective treatments and, ultimately, a cure.
The fight is not over
We are so proud of all we have achieved together, but there’s more to do. For 10 years our supporters’ funding has helped build a solid research foundation.
We need your continued support to help:
- find an effective treatment or cure for MND
- improve the quality, accessibility and consistency of care for people impacted by MND
- boost awareness of MND.
Your continued support helps us to continue accelerating progress towards finally beating the Beast that is MND.
Contact us
As we continue to fight against the Beast and seek to find a treatment and cure, we would love to hear from you about how you may be able to get involved. Our team are ready to help in anyway they can.