Centre aims to fast-track research into brain

A new brain research centre aims to fast-track scientific advances from the laboratory to the clinic.

Scientists and doctors from the University of Auckland and the Auckland District Health Board will unite in the Centre for Brain Research to investigate diseases of the brain and nervous system including stroke, epilepsy, Alzheimers, Parkinson's, multiple sclerosis and motor-neurone disease.

More than 200 researchers will be housed in a cluster of laboratories at the Grafton Campus, right by Auckland City Hospital.

Professor Richard Faull, head of the centre, said their researchers and doctors would focus on several projects including drug and stem-cell research as well as rehabilitation.

"Stroke is the third leading cause of death in this country and around one in five New Zealanders will experience brain disease in their lifetime."

Professor Faull said the centre aimed to build relationships with community groups such as the Stroke Foundation and Alzheimers NZ and within the medical community.

"The whole vision of the centre is that we need to be more proactive. We need to get students and doctors talking to each other. It's like forming a big new powerful club."

The Auckland District Health Board's head of stroke services, Professor Alan Barber, said research was essential to clinical care.

"By becoming an integral part of the Centre for Brain Research we can expand and develop our clinical trials programme and ... more effectively target our research and treatments to improve patient care."

The centre opens on November 6.