Stroke Research Consumer Forum, Melbourne Australia

On Tuesday 24 October 2017, twenty eight consumers and twenty seven researchers met for a Stroke Research Consumer Forum. Almost half of the consumers were young stroke survivors. Two stroke survivors were involved in the planning of the day and one helped facilitate the day.

The event was an initiative of the Centre of Research Excellence (CRE) in Stroke Rehabilitation and Brain Recovery. The CRE is funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC). The NHMRC is Australia’s peak body for supporting health and medical research.

There was a tremendous buzz in the room around the themes ‘Stroke Prevention, Recovery and Cure’ and the feedback from consumers and researchers has been very positive.

Prof Julie Bernhardt, Co-Head of the Stroke Division at The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, set the scene at the start of the day. The CRE aimed to start a conversation about a large research program which is different, compelling and impactful.