$1 million donation to boost aphasia research

A donation of $1 million to The University of Queensland will offer hope to thousands of Australians left without the ability to communicate following a stroke. The funding from Bowness Family Foundation will support research into aphasia - a language and communication disorder that occurs in one-third of all strokes and affects about 120,000 Australians. The $1 million gift, announced during National Stroke Week , follows an anonymous donation of $500,000 in 2018 and will help fund the first rehabilitation centre in Australia dedicated to aphasia. The Queensland Aphasia Rehabilitation Centre (QARC) will bring together researchers and clinicians to help treat patients with complex rehabilitation needs. UQ's Professor David Copland , Director of QARC, said the funding would unlock much-needed new approaches to aphasia management. "This generous donation will help us explore more innovative approaches to managing aphasia after stroke," Professor Copland said. "This includes new clinical treatments that enhance everyday function, and new ways to predict recovery and determine who needs what type of therapy.