Page 49 - MELLBY_MAGASIN_2021_EN
P. 49
SWEDISH BRAIN FOUNDATION
Vital research aiming MinelslobcyieGtåyrd
to change society
The Swedish Brain Foundation’s ambition is to create a society in which all
brains achieve their full potential, free from disorders. When this ambition is
achieved, our society will be a place where people live longer and enjoy better
quality of life, where fewer people suffer or are affected by brain injuries,
disorders and disabilities. Anna Hemlin has been Secretary General of the
Foundation for seven years.
“Icome from a marketing background, but I’m really driven by the CONTINUOUS SUPPORT FOR RESEARCH
privilege of working with brain research. Research is moving so The record year has had a positive impact on the Swedish Brain
quickly in many ways, with technological advances that help us Foundation’s opportunities to fund research in various areas. Awarding
understand more accurately how the body and its various disorders three-year research grants has been possible for the first time.
function, but it’s clear that brain research isn’t always prioritised as
highly as research in other areas. I think it’s time for research into brain “Having the opportunity to award three-year research grants really
disorders to catch up!” makes a difference to our researchers. It provides them with another
The Swedish Brain Foundation’s mission is to drive change focusing level of security and continuity in their work – and there’s no need for
on brain research, and this is being done by funding research and share them to spend so much time applying for new grants. We also know
researchers’ insights to society, aiming to improve well-being and that successful research into one diagnosis can result in success with
health in the long term. The Swedish Brain Foundation is also a vital other diagnoses, so this will have a ripple effect when it comes to many
platform where people affected and their family members can find out brain disorders.”
all about various diagnoses and get support to help them live with the
diagnosis. The importance of continuity is key to progress in research, so she’s
“It’s so important for researchers’ insights to be shared in society, grateful for the many years of support provided by Mellby Gård and
in healthcare services, and to employers. This allows us to empower Rune Andersson, particularly with regard to research into giant cell
individuals, work with preventive measures - and eventually change arteritis.
society. Bearing in mind more than one in four Swedes suffers from
depression at some point in their lives and up to a million people “Research into giant cell arteritis is incredibly important because
suffer from some form of addiction, you can see this field of research is relatively small numbers of people are diagnosed with it, but at the
important to society. Neurological diagnoses affect everybody at some same time it causes a great deal of suffering for those affected. Not
point, whether people themselves or their loved ones.” enough attention is paid to it, maybe precisely because it’s rare. Mellby
Gård has given us a great deal of help in this regard. Rune Andersson
FUNDRAISING RECORD is also personally committed, driven and curious about the progress of
The Swedish Brain Foundation is reliant on people donating money the research, and he also helps out with raising the profile of both the
to its causes by means of traditional fundraising or through bequests. Swedish Brain Foundation and our research – a true ambasador.”
There’s been a major shift in people’s willingness to donate in the light
of the COVID-19 pandemic. DEVISING A BRAIN IMPACT ANALYSIS
Looking ahead to 2022, Anna sees plenty of things to look forward
“Gifts bequeathed to us are our biggest source of income, and that’s to – perhaps most notably all the brain research advances that are
been the case for a long time. We normally arrange meetings with 50 underway in fields such as Alzheimer’s, mental health and addiction.
to 100 participants so that we can tell them how to leave a gift to us The Swedish Brain Foundation is also working on a letter to the
in their wills. Last year’s meetings had to take place online – and we government in order to push for the implementation of a brain impact
managed to reach out to more than 2,000 people as a result! We were assessment that will culminate in a brain plan. The emphasis here
all very surprised and pleased, so we’ll carry on holding these meetings is on the need to reform public systems so that they can be adapted
like this going forward. more effectively to people’s varying needs.
“Apart from bequests, 2021 was a record year for fundraising for “We really need a knowledge boost when it comes to brain disorders.
us. I think people stopped and reflected during the pandemic on the Everything from how schools and healthcare services work and how we
important things in life. And what’s more, it’s become clear just how build our cities, to how to receive a correct diagnosis and what support
important research is for society. We need it so that it can break down is available to sufferers and their family members. Now it’s the brain’s
barriers and help us think along new lines. So I’d like to say a big thank turn – we need to focus on it!”
you to all our donors!”
49
