Research Grants
2026 MND NZ Research Grant Round
As part of our commitment to MND research, Motor Neurone Disease NZ (MND NZ) has opened our first-ever Research Grant Round with three research grants of up to $10,000 each available.
Research grants purpose
These grants are to encourage research to improve evidence-based care, support and potentially even treatment for people with motor neurone disease (MND). The MND NZ Research Strategy 2025–28 provides more detail about the goals of these grants and the types of research that we will consider contributing to, from disease mechanisms to through to patient management and the experiences of those living with MND and their whānau.
Grants are for MND-specific research projects, and can support postgraduate fees, summer studentships, or co-funding for MND-specific research within a larger research programme.
Who can apply
Applications are encouraged from:
- Academics working in MND-related areas
- Allied health professionals who work with people with MND, working in conjunction with an academic
- Those who work in related areas who haven’t done MND research before.
MND-related work areas include health sciences (including speech & language, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, nutrition, respiration), neurology, nursing, and palliative care.
NZ MND Registry
The NZ MND Registry, funded by MND NZ, is also a rich source of information. It is used to support research including surveys, observational studies, and recruitment for clinical trials; information is carefully protected and deidentified. A researcher can contact the MND Registry via the curator, Dr Margaret Ryan: ; 0800 MND REG (0800 663 734).
Closing date and further info
Applications for the 2026 MND Research Grant round close at 5pm on Friday 27 November 2026. Research grant applications are reviewed and approved by the MND NZ Research Grants Committee. Up to three grants will be allocated in this round.
We have created a flyer for further information and distribution to interested parties in your network. Please download the flyer here.
If you have further questions about these research grants they may be answered in our Q and A document here. Or you can email questions to
Meet our Research Grants Committee
Our 2026 Research Grants Committee brings together a diverse mix of professional expertise, research leadership, clinical knowledge, governance experience, and lived experience of motor neurone disease (MND).
The committee is responsible for reviewing research applications and ensuring funding is directed towards projects with the greatest potential to improve outcomes for people affected by MND.
Committee Chair Brian Finch was a family carer for his late wife, Patricia Love who lived with MND. Brian is a retired educator and former Director of Research Ethics at Massey University, where he oversaw human, animal, and genetic technology ethics committees.
Graeme Inglis was diagnosed with the progressive muscular atrophy (PMA) variant of MND in 2025. He is a senior scientist with more than 34 years of experience in applied research, research strategy, consulting, and tertiary education.
Other committee members include Mark Leggett, MND NZ Chief Executive who provides organisational leadership and a clinical background, and Toni Foster MND NZ Support Services Manager, who brings valuable insights into the day-to-day experiences and needs of people living with MND and their whānau.
Shree Kumar, MND NZ Research Advisor contributes a strong biomedical research background, with experience spanning neuroscience, cardiovascular science, and cell-based experimental models. Shree has also supported a person living with MND.
Dr Alan Stanley, neurologist and MND NZ Board member offers research experience, specialist clinical expertise and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by people living with neurological conditions including MND.
The Research Grants Committee is guided by terms of reference and specific approval criteria.
Together, they are committed to supporting research in New Zealand that improves evidence-based care and support for people with MND, aids access to clinical trials and contributes to the international effort to identify the causes of MND, find better treatments, and ultimately, a cure for MND.
Page updated:
14 October 2026