"Our brain bank is so special. We know the history of every brain we research thanks
to our close relationships with the families. That’s only possible in a small country
like New Zealand, and it means our tissue is in demand all over the world."
Professor Richard Faull
Department of Anatomy with Radiology and Director of the
Centre for Brain Research
The Neurological Foundation of New Zealand Human Brain Bank is a world-class scientific
resource unique to the Centre for Brain Research. Established in 1993, the bank holds tissue from over 400 brains categorised in minute detail. Research
on this tissue provides vital clues about neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's, Huntington's, Parkinson's,
Motor Neurone Disease, epilepsy and schizophrenia.
Professor Richard Faull is the founder and director of the facility. "Donating your
brain for research is one of the most special gifts you can give. We fully recognise
and appreciate that. That's why the Human Brain Bank is kept in one of the most
high-tech and modern facilities the University can offer and our researchers accord
the tissue the respect it deserves."
Patients and family members decide to donate their brain years before death, so
when the time comes the bequest process is both swift and sensitive. It’s scientifically
important that the tissue is collected quickly, so a team of morticians and couriers
are coordinated throughout the country. The tissue is then immediately processed
in cell cultures for testing, and stored through freezing and chemical preservation
processes for future research in New Zealand and overseas. "This is extremely sensitive
and skilled work," says Professor Faull. "We're developing tikanga Māori practices
so Māori researchers can join the team. Only by working together can we help find
cures for these terrible diseases. That's what our work is all about, and we never
forget that."
"I'm the guardian of these precious gifts," says
Jocelyn Bullock, the Technical Manager of the Human Brain Bank. "The families make such a huge investment
in our research, so I make sure we keep them updated on our progress. People think
we’re unusual in maintaining such longstanding and close relationships with our
donors, but I don’t see any other way of doing it."
Read more about the operation of the Human Brain Bank.
To donate to the Human Brain Bank, please contact:
Phone: 09 923 6207
Email:
brainbank@auckland.ac.nz
National and international collaborations
Tissue from the Human Brain Bank is in demand all over the world. Over the years,
many successful national and international collaborations have been developed.
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University of Otago, New Zealand
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University of Gothenburg, Sweden
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University of Lund, Sweden
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University of Zurich, Switzerland
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Ecole Polytechnic Federale de Lausanne, Switzerland
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Roche Institute, Switzerland
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University of Cambridge, United Kingdom
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University of Wales, United Kingdom
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University of Oxford, United Kingdom
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Kings College London, United Kingdom
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Babraham Institute, United Kingdom
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University of Cardiff, United Kingdom
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University of Southampton, United Kingdom
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Harvard University, United States of America
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University of Washington, United States of America
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University of Leiden, Netherlands
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This unique resource is only possible thanks to the continued support of the
Neurological Foundation of New Zealand. This national charity tirelessly
fundraises to support research into brain diseases. The foundation has
generously supported the Human Brain Bank for over 18 years.
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