Two big names in their fields have teamed up to take a dual approach to fighting brain tumours, bringing business skills and financial backing to vital neuroscience.

A Brisbane neurosurgeon has joined forces with a prominent business figure and philanthropist to try to tackle the deadly affliction.

Dr Sarah Olsen has seen her fair share of victims fall to brain tumours, as philanthropist Beverly Trivett’s husband did – prompting her to start the John Trivett Foundation.

The new driving forces behind brain tumour research say they can achieve together what was unreachable alone.

“I am tired of watching tumours destroy my patients and their families,” Dr Olson said.

“I had an epiphany one day when I realised that surgeons such as myself cannot cure brain tumours... only research holds the key to improving treatments for these devastating cancers.”

“By investing in our most promising researchers today, we can make a difference in the treatment available tomorrow.”

That was the thinking that led Dr Olson to her new position on the board of the John Trivett Foundation.

The groups’ founder Beverly Trivett has pushed the foundation to raise $1.5 million for a senior research fellow to be based between two institutes at the University of Queensland; the Institute for Molecular Bioscience and the Queensland Brain Institute.

Businessperson Beverly Trivett says she is committed to investing in a cure.

“There has been some important progress made in brain research but we still don't understand why people develop these dreadful tumours and why they grow so rapidly,” she said

“It has been 16 years since my husband died and patients with brain tumours today have no better chance of survival than they did when John was diagnosed.”

IMB Director and brain researcher Professor Brandon Wainwright says the backing of the foundation as already led to discoveries and new paths for neurological research.

“The foundation's previous investment in my laboratory at IMB allowed us to make great strides in understanding the genetics behind the most aggressive types of adult and paediatric brain tumours,” Professor Wainwright said.

“The senior research fellowship will allow us to continue this work in concert with QBI and other Brisbane researchers.”