Co-Ordinators
The creation of the Chair in Stroke Research was made possible through a financial commitment of $3 million by UWA, matched by the Perron Institute with the generous support of WA philanthropists. It is a vital step towards establishing the Perron Institute Stroke Centre of Excellence.
Perron Institute Chair Mr Rob McKenzie said the new Chair and proposed Centre of Excellence will provide a tremendous opportunity to drive stroke care and research well into the next generation with enormous benefits. “This brings together the huge talents of Professor Hankey, the Perron Institute’s Medical Director, Clinical Professor David Blacker and the Institute’s Head of Stoke Research, Clinical Professor Neville Knuckey, supported by other highly respected clinicians and researchers.”
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Chris Shellabear
Founder
In 2019 my wife Sarah died of a massive stroke. She was 61, with three daughters, 4 grandchildren, and everything to live for. Unbeknownst to her, she had a genetic disorder that had affected all females in her family for generations, causing premature death from stroke. In Sarah’s honor, our family have initiated the Sarah Shellabear Incubator Fund for Stroke Research, (Sarah’s Fund) in collaboration with The Perron Institute and UWA, to provide perpetual finance for a Chair in Stroke.
Professor Graeme Hankey
Distinguished neurologist Professor Graeme Hankey has been appointed as the inaugural Perron Institute Chair in Stroke Research at The University of Western Australia.
As a clinician-scientist, Professor Hankey has made an outstanding lifetime contribution to stroke research, with a special interest in epidemiological studies and clinical trials of interventions for the treatment and prevention of stroke.
Internationally recognised for his achievements, he has led several pivotal studies in collaboration with leading researchers worldwide.
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Dr David Blacker
Medical Director, Perron Institute, Stroke Clinic Neurologist
Dr David Blacker is Perron Institute’s Medical Director and clinic neurologist who specialises in the diagnosis and management of a stroke. He leads the clinic alongside nursing and allied health staff. Professor Blacker is a consultant neurologist and stroke physician at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital and Clinical Professor at the University of Western Australia. Professor Blacker is the previous chair of the Neurosciences Advisory Group to the WA Department of Health and a member of the WA Neurology Planning Committee.