Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a complex problem that, thanks to recent research advances, is finally being approached as conquerable by the neuroscience community. Because of the complexity of the injury and the scientific knowledge still needed to understand the potential for central nervous system (CNS) regeneration, spinal cord research in search of a cure for paralysis requires collaboration between scientists and clinicians with many types of specialties. Bringing the evolving scientific findings to clinical use as rapidly, effectively and safely as possible is the goal of all members of the ICCP. You will find here a short description of the research activity of each ICCP member (click on the names to visualise the corresponding description).

•  The CatWalk Spinal Cord Injury Trust is a legally constituted Charitable Trust dedicated to raising funds to support the body of scientific opinion which says a cure for spinal cord injury will be found. The Trust was founded in 2005 by Catriona Williams, formerly one of New Zealand’s leading international equestrian riders who now confined to a wheelchair following a riding accident in 2002. Funds are granted on an annual basis after a rigorous and stringent international peer review process. This ensures that only the most meritorious projects receive funding but also that every dollar we invest is a progressive step forward in terms of research. Our goal is to get people out of wheelchairs and back onto their feet through: ­ Generating funding for research into a cure for SCI. ­ Identifying and assisting in medical research into techniques for the regeneration of SCI. ­ Providing targeted assistance to organisations working on projects that promote the purpose of the Trust. ­ Fostering co-operation between all disciplines engaged in central nervous system research. ­ Disseminating information about research into SCI. ­ Cooperating with international efforts in this field.

• The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation funds innovative research to develop treatments for spinal cord injury (SCI). The Individual Grants Program supports investigator-initiated research on a variety of fronts, including axon growth and guidance, remyelination, cellular replacement, rehabilitation and neuroprotection. The International Research Consortium on Spinal Cord Injury, a network of eight laboratories, organizes its collaborative projects around the themes of Tissue Repair, Activators and Enhancers of Regeneration and Neural Function, Inhibitors of Growth and Physical Therapy and Training. NeuroRecovery Network (NRN), a network of rehabilitation centers, is developing and providing activity-based, evidence-based therapies to promote functional recovery and the health and quality of life of people living with paralysis. Locomotor Training is the therapy currently deployed. North American Clinical Trials Network (NACTN) is infrastructure for trials of therapy for SCI, designed to insure patient safety and interpretable data. NACTN hospitals are enrolling newly injured patients into a data registry, defining and adhering to standard treatment protocols, and preparing for the start of clinical trials.

• The Craig H. Neilsen Foundation, a U.S. based private foundation, was established in 2003. The CHN Foundation is dedicated to finding a cure for spinal cord injury through its research grant program which currently funds nearly $3 million a year in cutting-edge research. These projects include basic science studying strategies to improve function, pre-clinical and clinical research developing new treatments that will support clinical trials and innovative rehabilitation therapies for persons living with spinal cord injury.  Grants are available for junior and senior investigators and post-doctoral fellows in the United States and Canada. The application process is handled online through a web-based program.  Applications are peer-reviewed by an international team of experts in the field. Scientists and clinicians interested in learning more about the research criteria, guidelines and previously funded programs can check our website, www.chnfoundation.org or by emailing This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

• The International Foundations for Research in Paraplegia IRP are two sister foundations, one in Zurich (founded in 1991) and one in Geneva (founded in 1996). The purpose of the IRP is to promote and support medical research in the field of spinal cord injury and treatment. Once a year the IRP invites researchers to submit their applications in the field of Basic and Clinical Research on CNS Regeneration / Neuroprotection and Functional Restoration. An international research council composed of basic and clinical neuroscientists will be reviewing these applications and selects the best ones for financing. Since 1991 the IRP has supported more than 100 projects from all over the world with over 20 million Swiss Francs. IRP supports the European Multicenter Study for Human Spinal Cord Injury, attributes the yearly Schellenberg Award to a young, promising scientist and endows professorial positions in Switzerland. www.irp.ch.

• The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, a Center of Excellence at the University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, has assembled an international team of scientists and clinicians whose expertise relates directly to the problem of central nervous system (CNS) trauma. Its multidisciplinary research team works cooperatively and synergistically toward the goal of developing better treatments for repair and recovery from devastating neurologic injuries. Its scientific team encompasses all the critical areas of basic science and clinical research in neurotrauma. The efforts of the team’s broad scope of expertise have resulted in significant and steady progress. While some investigators are working to “fast track” specific treatments to clinical trial, others are at laboratory benches searching for better or alternate treatment possibilities, and still others are in clinical laboratories focusing on improving today’s treatments and quality of life.

• Paralyzed Veterans of America is a veterans service organization, chartered by the United States Congress, dedicated solely to those US service personnel who have experienced a traumatic spinal cord injury or spinal cord disease.  Founded in 1946, Paralyzed Veterans today represents 20,000 individual members with 43 local chapters across the country.  The PVA Research Foundation was incorporated as a not-for-profit organization in 1976 with the goal of building capacity through pilot investigations and post-doctoral fellowships in the basic sciences, applied clinical, and assistive technology fields related to the spinal cord.  Through a single annual application cycle the PVA Research Foundation awards approximately $1.6 million in 1 or 2 year grants.  The foundation also expends annually nearly $500,000 for centers of excellence grants.  Using an web-based application process, information on the foundation may be obtained at www.pva.org, or by contacting Thomas Stripling, Director of Research & Education, Paralyzed Veterans of America, 801 - 18th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20006, 202-416-7668 or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

• SpinalCure Australia (formerly Australasian Spinal Research Trust) was founded in 1994 as a not-for-profit charitable company aiming to end the permanence of paralysis caused by spinal cord injury through: - Promoting and funding research. - Fostering cooperation between disciplines engaged in CNS and regeneration research. - Monitoring of progress of research projects funded through SCA and the cooperation of international efforts. Since the beginning SCA has achieved the following: - Directly raised millions of dollars for Australian researchers at Institutes and universities. - Successfully lobbied state governments to fund research through speed camera and associated road safety campaigns. - Raised the profile of SCI research through an ongoing media relations program. - Made representation & lobbied successfully at the Australian Government Enquiries into Embryonic Stem Cell research and Therapeutic Cloning (2002, 2006). - Advised the NSW Government on ‘’Making Connections’’ forum and follow-ups. - Established SCA Fellowships in spinal research. - Become a partner of ‘Walk On’’ intensive exercise recovery program. - Advised on the establishment of clinical trials network ANZSCIN (www.anzscin.org). www.spinalcure.org.au.

• The Neil Sachse Foundation has made a strategic decision to focus the majority of its future research support in the area of neuroprotection with the aim of maximising the number of nerve cells and fibers that survive at time of injury.   However, it will also continue to invest in research programs involving stem cells and nerve grafts whereby viable nerves are stimulated to reconnect. The Neil Sachse Foundation is assisting to facilitate the establishment of a centre of excellence in spinal cord injury in Adelaide at a cost of $5 million. The Centre will: ­ Develop and implement new and effective treatments for spinal cord injury. ­ Facilitate the enrolment of those affected by spinal cord injury in global clinical trials for new treatments. ­ Disseminate information on progress in spinal cord injury research. The concept of The Centre has evolved from the Neil Sachse Foundation’s involvement in supporting spinal cord injury research in South Australia since 1995.  The Foundation has supported research into repair of damaged nerves and is currently funding research at the University of Adelaide, investigating how neuroprotection may minimise damage and prevent nerve destruction.

• Spinal Research is committed to funding the highest quality international research to find treatments for spinal cord injury. We support both basic science and clinical research through STRATEGY and TRANSLATIONAL AWARD schemes.  We build research capacity by encouraging talented young graduates into the field through our PhD STUDENSHIPS. Approximately half of all project grants are currently awarded to non-UK institutions. Call dates and the process for application can be found on our website. Recent initiatives include a multicentre clinical study to develop and validate a battery of objective quantitative assessments for clinical trials. We believe truly productive research requires collaboration and a healthy exchange of ideas. We facilitate this by publishing our research strategy, bringing scientists together for an Annual Network Meeting and producing an Annual Research Review – a compilation of reports from our grant holders – documenting our grant holders most recent and exciting developments.  Further information at www.spinal-research.org or contact This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

• The Wings for Life Spinal Cord Research Foundation is a non-profit research organisation with the exclusive aim to promote basic & clinical research directly related to spinal cord injury. An annual grant application system (deadline 1st of December each year) rewards the most innovative & original projects after rigid peer reviewing meeting the additional criteria such as feasibility and applicability to spinal cord injured patients. Projects are supported for one or a max. of two years after successful proof of obtained results after the first year (max. budget of 70.000€ / year). In 2008 a total of fifteen projects were supported culminating to a budget spent of approximately 1 million €. For any questions concerning the application / selection system please contact Dr. Vieri Failli at the following email address: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .