Scientists leading the fight against degenerative brain conditions such as Alzheimer’s and multiple sclerosis will benefit from a new £150,000 funding pot.
The Scottish Government and the RS Macdonald Charitable Trust will each contribute £75,000 this year to the project, which will be administered by St Andrews University.
Researchers from all of Scotland’s universities will be able to apply for grants of up to £15,000 to support clinically relevant research into neurodegenerative illnesses and conditions like motor neurone disease and Parkinson’s.
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Jeane Freeman, health secretary for the Scottish Government, said: “Research is essential for the development of new approaches to the diagnosis and treatment of neurological conditions, which affect the lives of more than a million people living in Scotland.
“We launched the consultation for the Scottish national action plan on neurological conditions at the end of last year as we work to transform care for people affected by neurological conditions, and raise awareness more broadly.
“The plan covers common themes that are important to people living with neurological conditions – ranging from everyday conditions such as migraines, to rare and life-limiting illnesses such as motor neurone disease and Huntington’s disease.”
Professor Frank Gunn-Moore from St Andrews University added: “One of the best things about working in Scotland is that our universities and research institutions have always worked together.
“This is imperative when trying to tackle these diseases.”