A new research centre was launched at Auckland University on Friday to investigate brain diseases.
Centre for Brain Research director, neuroscientist Professor Richard Faull, says one in five New Zealanders will experience brain disease.
The centre will bring together experts and community groups to investigate stroke, epilepsy, Alzheimer's, Huntington's and Parkinson's diseases, multiple sclerosis, motor neurone disease and muscular dystrophy.
Professor Faull says the centre will involve hundreds of researchers from across the university, as well as medical specialists and groups supporting those with brain disease.
He says discoveries often come unexpectedly and it is hoped the connections created will fast-track the transfer of scientific advances from the lab to the clinic.
