NeuRA Next

NeuRA Next is a group of young philanthropists passionate about driving progress in neuroscience research across Australia. Established under Neuroscience Research Australia (NeuRA), our mission is to support ground-breaking discoveries by raising vital funds for the next generation of neuroscience leaders.

Funds raised by NeuRA Next go directly to the Pearl PhD Program - a pioneering initiative empowering early-career researchers to explore bold, innovative ideas in brain and nervous system science.

Our first PhD Pearl

We are delighted to announce that NeuRA PhD candidate Martjie Venter has joined our PhD Pearl Program thanks to funds raised by NeuRA Next at its inaugural event. Martjie will be leading research into the implementation of a new treatment for chronic lower back pain called graded sensory motor retraining, which looks at retraining a person's nervous system, helping them move better, and ultimately improving their pain and function.

“When I first heard that I'm going to be the recipient of a PhD Pearl (award) thanks to NeuRA Next, I was super excited, super grateful,” said Martjie. “It’s going to make a huge difference in my studies as a PhD candidate. It'll allow me to undergo further upskilling and training in clinical trials design, which is really essential for testing this new treatment for chronic lower back pain, as well as allowing me to attend conferences where I can disseminate some of these findings, which is a really important part of research.”

“Really there's not enough effective treatments for chronic lower back pain out there in clinical practise, and this is really frustrating for people who are in pain, but also for clinicians who want to help them. So this is really what's driven me to research - to try to create some change there.”

Our Founding Committee Members

• Alexander Benze von Fritz
• Sophie Utz
• Lucas Hejtmanek 
• Emily Harris (nee Hartman)
• Amelia de Haan (nee Hurley)

Upcoming Event

The support for Martjie is just the beginning for NeuRA Next, with the committee members determined to build momentum in supporting the pursuit of answers to some of society’s most challenging questions.

Our next fundraising event will be held in the coming months, and include the opportunity to discuss the power of NeuRA’s research with Martjie and more of our next-gen neuroscientists. More details will be released imminently but register your interest here to be among the first to know – and to hear about the various ways you can become involved in this vital program.

Inaugural Fundraising Dinner 2025

Friday 13 June, The Royal Yacht Squadron, Kirribilli

One of the most important parts of our work at NeuRA is translating research into practical outcomes for people at all stages of life.

So it was rewarding to see Dr Hayley North deliver a powerful address on building brain health and resilience to the audience at the inaugural NeuRA Next fundraising dinner– all of it informed by the most recent science and the array of research undertaken at NeuRA.

The members of NeuRA Next are passionate about driving progress in neuroscience research across Australia, and the event at Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron was the first in support of that aim.

The significant funds already raised by NeuRA Next go directly to the Pearl PhD Program - a pioneering initiative empowering early-career researchers to explore bold, innovative ideas in brain and nervous system science.

Get Involved

Interested in joining NeuRA Next, or attending one of our events?
Get in touch with us at next@neura.edu.au