Prof. Valery L. Feigin (New Zealand)

Prof. Valery L. Feigin

I am Professor Valery L. Feigin from New Zealand, Director of the National Institute for Stroke and Applied Neurosciences at Auckland University of Technology, Affiliate Professor at the University of Washington, Founding Chair of the Global Burden of Disease Stroke and Neurology Collaborations, Research Fellow of the Royal Society Te Apārangi, and Editor-in-Chief of Neuroepidemiology. I am honoured to stand for election as an Elected Trustee of the World Federation of Neurology.

For more than three decades, I have dedicated my career to advancing neurological health through research, prevention, education, policy, and international collaboration. Working with colleagues across world regions, I have contributed to improving understanding of the burden, causes, prevention, and management of neurological disorders and translating scientific evidence into action. I have also served on several World Health Organization expert groups, including the WHO Stroke Advisory Group for ICD-11, where I contributed to the reclassification of stroke as a neurological disorder in ICD-11. If elected, I would bring to the WFN Board experience in global neurological leadership, partnerships, strategic planning, and evidence-informed policy development. My work has focused on strengthening neurological prevention, reducing inequities in neurological health, and supporting the use of evidence to guide policy and service planning worldwide.

I believe the WFN has an opportunity to further strengthen its leadership in brain health, education, advocacy, capacity building, and support for member societies, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where the burden of neurological disorders is greatest. As Trustee, I would work collaboratively with member societies to expand access to neurological knowledge and services, support the next generation of neurologists, and promote solutions that improve neurological health globally.

I would be honoured to contribute my experience, energy, and commitment to advance the WFN’s mission of fostering quality neurology and brain health for people, families, and communities worldwide.