ABSTRACT NUMBER: ESOC2026A1002 PRIORITISING ACTIONS FOR THE GLOBAL YOUNG ADULT STROKE RESEARCH ALLIANCE TO MAXIMISE RESEARCH IMPACT

Abstract Background and aims The burden of young adult stroke (YAS) is increasing and existing research efforts are often fragmented, lack the inclusion of lower resourced settings, and are rarely tailored to the distinct aetiologies and life-stage priorities of young adults. The Global Young Adult Stroke Research Alliance aims to maximise impact of research in the area by maximising the relevance, quality and support for YAS research as well as the capacity of those doing the research. We aimed to develop a prioritised list of actions to achieve these objectives. Methods The multinational and multidisciplinary founding committee of the Global YAS Research Alliance identified the potential actions using Value Focused Thinking. Members of the Global YAS Research Alliance met to discuss and rank the actions in order of priority. Data were analysed using the graph theory based ranking approach to identify a prioritised list of actions for the Alliance. Results Researchers, multidisciplinary clinicians and people with lived experience of stroke met in-person (Helsinki 2025) or online (June 2025). Thirty-four attendees anonymously ranked the objectives producing. The top 3 ranked objective included: Conclusions Global collaborative effort is needed to maximise the impact of young adult stroke research to support better outcomes and prevention. Current top-ranked priorities include consensus of research priorities, characterising unmet need and recommendations for outcome measurement. Conflict of interest ERM declares equity in Hydro Functional Pty Ltd and has received Honoraria from Methinks, Moleac, and a CIHR 2024 Catalyst Grant #SCT-191292. The remaining authors have nothing to disclose.