Spinal cord injury research

The spotlight will shine on Western Australian Research into Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) on Friday, 29 November. 

Perth’s Neurotrauma Research Program (NRP) and The Spinal Cord Injury Network (SCIN) are joining forces to present the WA Spinal Cord Injury Research Showcase at Royal Perth Hospital’s Shenton Park Campus.

Professor Lyn Beazley, Chief Scientist WA, will formally open the meeting, which will demonstrate progress being made in laboratory-based and clinical SCI research in the state.

There has been enormous interest in the showcase from the Perth SCI community. Seminars will be delivered on stem cells and neuro-regeneration, physiotherapy perspectives on pain, physical activity and neurological rehabilitation, and occupational therapy projects on hand splinting and prevention of sitting-acquired pressure ulcers. Interactive displays during the breaks and one-to-one discussion with local researchers will facilitate further learning.

“We are just so impressed by the energy and enthusiasm of the SCI research community in WA,” said Dr Stephanie Williams, CEO of SCIN.

“They have gone all out to make sure this will be an inclusive and exciting event, showing just how far SCI research has come over recent years. People in wheelchairs will be able to try state-of-the-art equipment that researchers are using to prevent common complications following SCI and see up close some innovative engineering solutions that ‘DreamFit’ has designed to improve life after SCI.”

SCIN is a national network with a mission to advance treatments for SCI by promoting excellence in research and clinical practice through improved communication and collaboration to build capacity. The NRP, administered by the Western Australian Institute for Medical Research (WAIMR), shares this mission by supporting research into recovery following SCI and brain injury.

The audience at the SCI Research Showcase will include scientists, clinical researchers, nursing and allied health practitioners, doctors, individuals with SCI and their loved ones.

For further information, visit spinalnetwork.org.au/node/3548.