Reflecting on a year of impact, change and community

As we look back on the past year, it is impossible to sum it up in simple terms. It has been a year of extraordinary commitment, meaningful impact and collective effort – but also one marked by loss, change and significant challenge.

Since our establishment in 2002, Neurology Academy has delivered 347 courses, meetings and webinars, reaching over 24,500 delegates. This year alone has reinforced why this work matters. Through our Advanced and Foundation MasterClasses and additional courses and webinars, clinicians have not only gained knowledge, but have gone on to change practice, influence services and improve lives.

The true impact of our education is perhaps best seen in what delegates go on to do. Across our programmes, 93% of delegates report that they are likely or highly likely to modify their practice as a result of attending. 97% would recommend our courses to a colleague, and 98% rate the organisation of our meetings as good or excellent. These figures are not just statistics – they represent services redesigned, conversations changed, and people with neurological conditions receiving better, more informed care.

As one delegate reflected:

And another:

At the heart of this impact are our delegates themselves. This year alone, 96 workplace projects were developed as part of our MasterClasses – each one rooted in real clinical need and driven by frontline professionals determined to make things better. From inpatient safety and non-motor symptom management to service integration and end-of-life care, these projects demonstrate how our education translates directly into positive action.

Remembering Daiga

This year also began with profound sadness, following the death of Daiga Heisters, our head of Parkinson’s Academy. Daiga was not only a leader in Parkinson’s education, but a mentor, champion and tireless believer in people. She had a rare ability to bring out the best in others and to create spaces where confidence, curiosity and collaboration could flourish.

The renaming of the Heisters Award in her honour felt both fitting and necessary – a way of ensuring that her passion for education, teamwork and impact continues to shape everything we do. Her legacy lives on in every MasterClass room, every project presented, and every clinician who leaves believing they can make a difference.

Change, growth and new beginnings

Alongside loss, this year has also brought change. Ruth Stross, who has been an integral part of our team, faculty and community, moves on to work within the charity sector. Ruth’s contribution to our education – particularly her ability to connect evidence, experience and compassion – has left a lasting imprint, and we are incredibly proud to see her take that expertise into a space where it will continue to have a wide-reaching impact.

We have also welcomed new colleagues to the team. Jodie and Sarah, who joined us in events, and Caz, who joined our accounts team, have all stepped into their roles during an exceptionally busy period. Their commitment, adaptability and calm under pressure have been invaluable in keeping our programmes running smoothly during a demanding year.

A challenging landscape – and an inspiring response

There is no avoiding the fact that this has been a difficult year for education. Securing funding for MasterClasses has been increasingly challenging, with financial pressures felt across the system. Delivering high-quality, independent education in this environment has required persistence, creativity and, at times, sheer determination.

What has made this possible – and what continues to drive us forward – is the passion of our esteemed faculties, our speakers and our delegates. Time and again, feedback highlights not just the quality of the education, but the value of coming together as a community:

Our audience spans a broad range of disciplines and roles - This multidisciplinary mix remains one of our greatest strengths, creating conversations that reflect real clinical practice!

Looking ahead

If this year has taught us anything, it is that impact is not measured by ease, but by perseverance. Despite the challenges, Neurology Academy continues to deliver education that is relevant, rigorous and rooted in practice – education that professionals trust, value and act upon.

As we move into the year ahead, we do so with gratitude: for our delegates, our faculty, our supporters, and our team. We carry with us the legacy of those we have lost, the contributions of those who have moved on, and the energy of those who have joined us.

Above all, we remain committed to what has guided us since 2002: education that empowers healthcare professionals, strengthens services, and ultimately improves the lives of people living with incurable neurological conditions. To be part of our upcoming events, head to our events page to see what’s already planned for the year ahead. Registrations are now open for our next Uro-neurology Academy webinar in January, and one of our MS MasterClasses in 2026 is already almost fully booked.

At the beginning of the year, we started a partnership with The Greener Earth Project as a small way to give back to the planet. For every delegate attending our in-person courses or events, we fund the planting of a tree. This year, 529 trees were planted across Scotland, Australia and Indonesia.