About
The Victorian Neurotrauma Initiative (VNI) is a $63 million health research fund established in 2005 in the State of Victoria, Australia. The VNI was established with five years funding provided by the State's Transport Accident Commission (TAC: $60M) in partnership with the Victorian Government's Department of Innovation, Industry and Regional Development (DIIRD: $3M). The VNI maintains a close working relationship with the local neuroscience sector via collaboration with Neurosciences Victoria Ltd (NSV).
The VNI supports research into Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) and Peripheral Nerve Injury (PNI) conducted by Victorian scientists in collaboration with their national and international colleagues.
More than 5,000 Victorians suffer from Traumatic Brain Injury and Spinal Cord Injury each year, with many injuries occurring through traffic accidents. An estimated $500 million in healthcare and related expenses is spent each year to support Victorians living with Traumatic Brain Injury and Spinal Cord Injury.
The objectives of the VNI are:
- to reduce the impact of neurotrauma and improve the quality of life of those affected.
- to expand the scope of innovative neurotrauma research through multidisciplinary, national and internationally-linked collaboration.
- to focus Victorian, Australian and international research and attention on the consequences of neurotrauma.
