Motor Neurone Disease (MND)

MND Research Fund

Honouring the legacy of Professor Justin Yerbury AM

It is with profound sadness that the University of Wollongong (UOW) shares the news of the passing of Professor Justin Yerbury AM

In recognition of his extraordinary contributions to the fight against Motor Neurone Disease (MND), UOW has established the Justin Yerbury Chair in Neurodegenerative Diseases. Initiated by Justin and his wife Rachel, this position will honour his remarkable life and legacy, continuing his vital research to understand and treat MND and other neurodegenerative diseases.

About the Motor Neurone Disease Research Fund

Motor neurone disease (MND) is a rare condition that progressively damages parts of the nervous system and causes degeneration of motor neurones in the brain and spinal cord. Nearly 2,100 Australians live with MND. From their diagnosis, their life expectancy can be counted in years or even months with the fingers on one hand.

Through their ‘out-of-the-box’ thinking, the dedicated and passionate scientists at the University of Wollongong's The Yerbury Lab have learned a lot about the molecular processes that cause MND. The next step is to translate that knowledge into therapies and the development of new drugs.

With your support, the Yerbury Lab will continue making advances in their mission to make MND a treatable condition, rather than a death sentence.

What your gift could achieve

  • $55 – could pay for reagents required to maintain cells used in drug-testing  
  • $550 – could contribute to a new set of tools to accurately measure and handle small volumes of liquid
  • $1200 – could allow the team to screen a new, untested drug from our library
  • $10,000 – could pay for a researcher to learn and use the high-powered Titan microscope at UOW

Donate to the Motor Neurone Disease Research Fund

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[Motor Neurone Disease] has not taken away my mind, my passion for research, or my determination to see MND as a treatable condition rather than a death sentence. Associate Professor Justin Yerbury