Researchers, clinicians and global experts came together at the Usher Building on 11 May for Usher Connects | Rebuilding lives after stroke: Global opportunities for research - a networking event exploring the urgent need to improve long-term outcomes for people living after stroke. Hosted by Professor Gillian Mead, Head of Ageing and Health at the Usher Institute, the event was endorsed by the British & Irish Association of Stroke Physicians, World Stroke Organization, NHS Research Scotland Stroke Research Network and the European Stroke Organisation. It highlighted the growing recognition of life after stroke as a major research priority, bringing together expertise from stroke medicine, ageing research, evidence synthesis, clinical trials and global health. Discussions focused on the challenges faced by stroke survivors living with multiple long-term conditions, cognitive impairment and frailty, and the need for more inclusive, implementation-focused research.The programme featured international speakers including Professor Craig Anderson and Dr Juliet Bouverie, alongside experts from across The University of Edinburgh and partner institutions. Speakers explored evolving methodologies in stroke research, including implementation science, adaptive platform trials, digital interventions, evidence synthesis, and the importance of patient and public involvement.A strong global perspective ran throughout the afternoon, with sessions examining the realities of stroke care and rehabilitation in low- and middle-income countries, including examples from Nepal and Pakistan. Delegates also heard how international collaborations and organisations such as the World Stroke Organization are supporting life after stroke research and the implementation of effective interventions worldwide.The event formed part of the Usher Connects series, which brings together researchers, practitioners, policymakers and the public to explore how collaborative approaches can improve health and social care.Further informationUsher Connects | Usher InstituteFull programme and resources from the event | Usher Connects David Weller (James Mackenzie Professor of General Practice and Co-Head of Centre for Population Health Sciences, Usher Institute) James Beeston (PhD student in the Chemistry Department, The University of Edinburgh) and Michaela Gilarova (PhD student at the Advanced Care Research Centre Academy, Usher Institute) Left to right: Juliet Bouverie OBE (Chief Executive, Stroke Association), Alex Todhunter-Brown (Professor of Evidence Synthesis, Glasgow Caledonian University), Susan Shenkin (Professor of Healthcare for Older People, Ageing and Health, Usher Institute and Honorary Consultant, NHS Lothian) and Frederike van Wijck (Professor of Neurological Rehabilitation Sciences and Co-lead for the Stroke and Neurological Rehabilitation Research Group (SYNERGY), Glasgow Caledonian University) Rustam Al-Shahi Salman (Professor of Clinical Neurology at the Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences and Edinburgh Clinical Trials Unit, Usher Institute) James Beeston (PhD student in the Chemistry Department, The University of Edinburgh) and Amanda Barugh (Clinical Director for Stroke and Medicine of Elderly, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh) Left to right: Jiban Karaki (Research Associate, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine and Director of PHASE Nepal), Amanda Farrin (Professor of Clinical Trials and Complex Intervention Evaluation and Director for the Edinburgh Clinical Trials Unit, Usher Institute), [not pictured, presenting online] Ayeesha Kamran Karmal (Professor of Neurology and Director of Stroke Services, Aga Khan University Hospital, Pakistan) and Craig Anderson (Senior Professorial Fellow, Professor Neurology and Epidemiology, University of New South Wales in Australia, and President-elect for the World Stroke Organization) Publication date 13 May, 2026
