Traumatic brain injury expert to visit

Media Release
University of Auckland
14 September 2016
Traumatic brain injury expert to visit

An international expert in the psychological needs of individuals with brain injury will visit Auckland in October.

Neuroscientist, Dr Juan Carlos Arango-Lasprilla will visit as a Seelye Fellow at the University of Auckland, co-hosted by the University’s Centre for Brain Research (CBR) and the national collaborative group, Brain Research NZ (BRNZ).

Dr Arango-Lasprilla has conducted numerous research studies in Spain, Mexico, Colombia, Argentina, Peru, and the USA focused on understanding and addressing the psychological, emotional, and family needs of individuals with brain injury.

He is the Ikerbasque Research Professor at Grupo de Psicología y Salud, BioCruces Health Research Institute Cruces University Hospital at the Basque Foundation for Science in Bilbao Spain.

While in Auckland, Dr Arango-Lasprilla will give a public lecture on the ‘Short and long term functional, cognitive and neuro-behavioural outcomes in individuals with Traumatic Brain Injury’.

The lecture takes place at the University’s Grafton Campus on Friday 7 October, from 6pm to 7.30pm (Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, 85 Park Road, Grafton).

Dr Arango-Lasprilla has been awarded numerous accolades for his work in brain injury and cultural issues and has secured about $5 million in grant funds, focused on work with culturally diverse populations.

He was a guest editor for the Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation’s special issue: ‘Cultural Issues Related to Traumatic Brain Injury: Recent Research and New Frontiers’ and ‘The role of race/ethnicity on outcomes after central nervous system injury’of the journal NeuroRehabilitation.

Dr Arango-Lasprilla’s visit was arranged and led by BRNZ Māori Strategic Leader, Dr Hinemoa Elder.

“This visit is very special for both the CBR and BRNZ, as we are working to strengthen links with iwi, hapū and whānau to address the challenges of undertaking neuroscience research by, with and for Māori,” says the co-director of both organisations, Distinguished Professor Richard Faull.

“Dr Arango-Lasprilla comes to New Zealand to learn how our country has taken a leadership role in cultural affairs, building healthcare and research models that are specific to Māori,” he says.

“He is very interested in taking these learnings back with him, whilst also teaching us about his experience in culturally-sensitive assessment and recovery from brain injury and neurodegeneration.”

ENDS

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