For People with SCI Interested in Participating in Research

Research Organizations

•  Burke Medical Research Institute is a nonprofit scientific research institute based in White Plains, NY devoted to "advancing the study of neurological diseases and injuries, pioneering novel rehabilitation therapies, and developing innovative clinical programs and clinics." Their research varies widely between their research labs and affiliates.

• The Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation aims to "pursue every opportunity to enhance the health and quality of life of individuals living with paralysis, by translating scientific breakthroughs into vital new therapies."  Their online website provides links to the current research they are funding and general clinical trial information.   

• Craig Hospital is a rehabilitation hospital in Denver, CO that specializes in neuro-rehabilitation and research of patients with spinal cord injury(SCI) and traumatic brain injury (TBI).  Craig's research department conducts a wide variety of SCI and TBI rehabilitation research, in addition to more basic science research.
  
  
• The Kessler Foundation is a rehabilitation research facility in New Jersey which strives to "improve the lives of people with physical and cognitive disabilities caused by stroke, multiple sclerosis, brain and spinal cord injury, and other chronic neurological and musculoskeletal conditions."  It was founded by the same orthopedist who founded the Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation, the "largest and most comprehensive hospital for medical rehabilitation in New Jersey."  
  
  
• Ranchos Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center is a rehabilitation hospital in Downey, CA that was founded on the principles of excellence in research, education, and innovation.  Their research focuses on "recovery of function, community re-integration, and wellness throughout the lifetime of individuals with spinal cord injury." 
  
  
• Shirley Ryan AbilityLab (formerly RIC) is a rehabilitation hospital in Chicago, IL which is the "first-ever 'translational' research hospital where clinicians, scientists, innovators and technologists work together in the same space, applying research real time to physical medicine and rehabilitation."  Their research focuses on improving treatments and recovery for individuals with spinal cord injury, brain injury, stroke and more.  

• Shepherd Center is a private hospital in Atlanta, GA specializing in medical treatment, research and rehabilitation for people with spinal cord injury, brain injury, multiple sclerosis, spine and chronic pain, and other neuromuscular conditions. Shepherd's research strives to "develop, refine, and evaluate new treatments, drugs, surgical techniques, diagnostic tools, and various therapy interventions...[as well as] improve the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of clinical services."    

Online Resources for People with SCI

•  The Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation provides online resources for individuals with SCI considering participating in research, including answering questions like "What are Clinical Trials" and "What are the Phases of a Clinical Trial". 

• The National Institutes of Health (NIH) provides an online review of the basics of what a clinical trial is, a glossary of common terms associated with clinical trials, how to find a clinical trial, and provides personal stories of individuals who have participated in clinical trials. 
  
  
• The National Institute on Disability, Indepedent Living, and Rehabiltiation Research (NIDILRR) sponsors the Spinal Cord Injury Model System.  Each year, NIDILRR awards SCI Model Systems Center grants to "institutions that are national leaders in medical research and patient care and provide the highest level of comprehensive specialty services." 

•  The Spinal Cord Injury Research Evidence (SCIRE) project is a collaborative effort between scientists, clinicians, and consumers that is dedicated to providing current, accurate information about SCI rehabilitation and community integration. SCIRE provides an online list of researchers seeking participants with SCI for research studies.