There is a vast amount of laboratory and clinical research being conducted on spinal cord injury throughout the world, the following organisations provide reliable information on the latest research and clinical trials.
Overseas
There are several research organisations which provide funding, and conduct research, to improve the lives of people living with SCI.
Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation (www.christopherreeve.org) – The Reeve Foundation (USA) is dedicated to curing SCI by funding innovative research, and improving the quality of life for people living with paralysis through grants, information and advocacy. The website has a feed that you can subscribe to for the latest news in SCI research.
The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis (www.miamiproject.miami.edu/) – The Miami Project (USA) is committed to curing paralysis through collaborative research dedicated to finding new treatments for SCI. The Miami Project is a designated Centre of Excellence at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. The Miami Project’s international team includes more than 250 scientists, researchers and clinicians who take innovative approaches to the challenges of brain and spinal cord injuries.
The Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Evidence (SCIRE) Project (www.scireproject.com). The SCIRE Project (Canada) is a research collaboration between scientists, clinicians and consumers. SCIRE reviews, evaluates, and translates existing research knowledge into a clear and concise format to inform health professionals and other stakeholders of best rehabilitation practices following SCI. SCIRE covers a comprehensive set of topics relevant to SCI rehabilitation and community reintegration. The evidence-based reviews produced by SCIRE provide a guide for the research community and funding organisations to focus their time and resources on the gaps in knowledge and identify research priorities.
Rick Hansen Institute (www.rickhanseninstitute.org) – The Rick Hansen Institute aims to accelerate the translation of evidence into best practices to reduce the incidence and severity of paralysis after SCI, improve health care outcomes, reduce long-term costs and improve quality of life for those living with SCI. You can subscribe to receive regular electronic bulletins containing updates about the Rick Hansen Institute’s work and other SCI breakthroughs.
Clinical Trials (www.ClinicalTrials.gov) – The USA Government runs a registry and results database of publicly and privately supported clinical studies of human participants conducted around the world. You can use this database to search for clinical trials that you may wish to participate in or to check whether results have been published.
Wings for Life (http://www.wingsforlife.com) – Wings for Life is based in the UK and Germany and supports and finances research projects worldwide which are aimed at repairing the injured spinal cord. Wings for Life has an international scientific advisory board, consisting of the world’s most renowned scientists and medical doctors from the relevant areas.
Australia
The Spinal Cord Injury Network (www.spinalnetwork.org.au) – The Spinal Cord Injury Network is committed to improving recovery after injury, minimising disability and maximising quality of life. The Spinal Cord Injury Network alliance currently consists of more than 35 organisations throughout Australia and New Zealand. . By improving communication and collaboration, the Spinal Cord Injury Network seeks to build greater capability in researching and treating spinal cord injury. The network provides leadership for spinal cord injury research and treatment strategies, facilitates effective clinical trials in spinal cord injury and aims to improve translation of basic and clinical research into evidence-based practice.
The SCIN produces a regular enewsletter with updates on current research in Australia and overseas. There is also a searchable database of clinical trials in Australia, New Zealand and overseas with contact details and eligibility criteria.
Western Australia
Neurotrauma Research Program (https://perroninstitute.org/nrp/) – Many thousands of people in Western Australia live with the consequences of neurotrauma, such as traumatic brain injury, stroke and spinal cord injury (SCI). The NRP is a State Government funded initiative that supports spinal cord and brain injury research in WA. The NRP funds laboratory and clinical research aimed at repairing and regenerating injured brain and spinal cord tissue, and improving long-term functional recovery to improve independence and quality of life for patients and their families.
The NRP website provides information on some currently funded research projects, events and grant rounds.
For more information contact Anne Convery (Executive Officer) via telephone: 6457 0319 or email ann.convery@perron.uwa.edu.au