Guidelines & General Information

About the Neurological Foundation

The Neurological Foundation is a New Zealand charity that funds vital research and ongoing education into neurological conditions, which includes diseases and disorders of the central and peripheral nervous systems.

We’re committed to providing hope that through research there will be better treatments and possible cures for the range of conditions, now and in the future.

For 50 years, the Foundation has funded research into conditions such as stroke, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, Huntington’s disease, motor neuron disease, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, brain cancer, autism, multiple sclerosis, mental illness, migraine, epilepsy and dozens of other debilitating conditions.

How we help fund research

There are two funding rounds per year for large and small projects, early career fellowships and conference and training course grants. There is one round per year for doctoral scholarships, senior fellowships and summer studentships. Travel grant applications can also be submitted by those who have an eligible project grant or fellowship.

The Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC) and Personal Awards Committee (PAC) meet in June and November each year to consider applications for funding. The recommendations of the committees are presented to the Neurological Foundation Council and outcomes are announced in early July and December. Summer studentships and travel grants are decided via e-motion. Travel grant offers are sent within two weeks of submission, and summer studentship offers are sent within one month of submission.

Application dates

For 2024 grant round B, the Foundation will not be using this grants portal. Information and application forms can be found on the Neurological Foundation's website ([www.neurological.org.nz/research/funding-opportunities,neurological.org.nz/research/funding-opportunities]).

Conditions of grant

Before applying for funding from the Neurological Foundation, take time read our Terms and Conditions, which can be found on the Neurological Foundation's website ([www.neurological.org.nz/research/apply-for-funding,neurological.org.nz/research/apply-for-funding]).

Assessment process

All applications are assessed on their significance to neurology and the neurosciences and relevance to the Neurological Foundation.

The Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC) assesses project, small project, and conference and training course applications. These are assessed on the suitability of the aims, design, methods, personnel, and budget, as well as any previous work on the topic by the applicants. External reviews of all project applications are obtained from international experts. Applications that are ranked the highest by external reviewers are discussed at the committee meeting. Each committee member provides a confidential score, and applications are ranked according to score. The most highly ranked applications will be recommended for funding, working down the list of ranked applications until all of the available funds for that round have been allocated or the committee agrees that all of the fundable applications have been funded.

Fellowship, scholarship and summer studentship applications are reviewed by our Personal Awards Committee (PAC). Selected fellowship and scholarship applicants are interviewed via video conference. Each committee member provides a confidential score based on:

* Calibre of applicant (academic record (scholarships), calibre of CV in relation to years of research experience, prizes/awards)

* Suitability of applicant (neurologically focused career goals, an engaging speaker, involved in outside activities with research/patient community)

* Project quality (fits with NFNZ mission, robust methodology, potential to lead to advances in the field)

* Research environment (track record of supervisor/research group, calibre of institution, level of support for applicant)

Applications are ranked according to score. There are a set number of fellowships, scholarships and summer studentships allocated to each round, however the committee can choose not to recommend the full number depending on scoring. If the top scores are equal or very close, the committee may recommend funding an additional applicant in that category.

The Chairs of the SAC and PAC present the committee recommendations to the Neurological Foundation Council for approval. The Council may decide to increase the budget if SAC recommends funding an application that is sitting across the funding line, or PAC recommends funding an additional applicant in a particular category. If a Council member is named on an application they will leave the meeting if there is any discussion regarding that application.

Conflicts of Interest

Any conflicts of interest are carefully managed by the co-chairs of the Committees and scores are weighted to account for members abstaining due to conflicts. Where members of the committee pool are named on an application, they will not be involved in the committee assessing that grant type. The Chairs of the SAC have a non-voting role so they may be named on an application, however they will leave the meeting during the discussion for that particular application.

Committee members with the following conflicts of interest will not have access to information on the assessment of that particular application, and will leave the meeting during the discussion or voting for that application:

* Collaborated (or intending to) with a named investigator or mentor

* Previous student, supervisor or advisor to a named investigator

* Published with a named investigator in the last five years

* On a current grant with a named investigator

* In the same department or working in close proximity to a named investigator

* Scientific or personal differences, or close personal ties, that prevent objectivity

Referee reviews

For large project grants, the Neurological Foundation requests independent reviews from relevant experts. The Foundation requires independent referees to assent to its standard non-disclosure agreement, as follows.

I agree to treat as confidential all information contained in the above application and provided by the Neurological Foundation that is not otherwise publicly available, and only use this information for the purpose of reviewing this application.

I agree to not disclose or provide anyone with access to this confidential information, without the permission of the Neurological Foundation. All users will be required to sign a non-disclosure agreement.

I agree to take all reasonable steps to ensure that the confidential information contained in this application is protected from unauthorised disclosure and access.

I agree to delete all information downloaded or saved on my personal devices once the assessment process is complete, and to safely discard any printed material.

Contact us

EMAIL ADDRESS [mailto:research@neurological.org.nz,research@neurological.org.nz]
POSTAL ADDRESS Neurological Foundation
PO Box 110022
Auckland Hospital
Auckland 1148
TELEPHONE (09) 309 7749

If you can't find the information you need, please use the "Get in touch" form on this page to send an inquiry to the Neurological Foundation.