Our Brain & Tissue Banks

Australian Sports Brain Bank

RPA Neuropathology is the home of the Australian Sports Brain Bank (ASBB), in partnership with the University of Sydney’s Brain and Mind Centre and the Concussion Legacy Foundation Global Brain Bank Initiative.

Australians who have played sports at all levels are encouraged to sign up and donate their brain so researchers can better understand links between head impacts in sports and diseases like Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), a neurodegenerative disease associated with repeated blows to the head, including concussions.

Neuropathology Tumour and Tissue Bank

People identified as having a brain tumour often have surgery to remove the tumour or biopsy it for correct diagnosis. The RPA Neuropathology Department seeks permission from individuals undergoing neurosurgery to donate their excess tissue not required for diagnostic purposes, in order to provide insight into the biology of the brain tumours and other brain diseases. There are many different types of brain tumour, and each has their own peculiar features. Only through research into the many types of brain tumour can the general and specific mechanisms of tumour development be determined. This information can also contribute to the development of the most effective forms of treatment for the specific tumour types.

On occasion we also accept whole brain donations from patients dying with brain tumours. This is organised on a case by case basis. We hope to expand this service in the future as additional funds become available.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Australia Brain Bank

We provide neuropathology expertise and laboratory leadership to assist the MS Australia Brain Bank in tissue characterisation of multiple sclerosis cases. More information on the MS Australia Brain Bank and registration details can be found here.