Our Research Strategy
Following extended discussion amongst a group of internationally renowned experts in the field of spinal cord injury research, since 1996 all our funding has been allocated in a targeted manner. This strategic approach to the development of treatments for the repair of spinal cord injury is detailed in the Trust’s Research Strategy, which is updated regularly to incorporate the latest progress and ideas. See: Adams et al. (2007) Spinal research trust research strategy. III: a discussion document. Spinal Cord 45:2-14.
Funding
Our normal procedure for funding grants is following an advertised call for proposals on specific areas of research which are based on themes identified in our published Research Strategy documents. Following initial review, selected applicants or principal investigators will be invited to complete a full grant application form. These advertisements are carried in journals such as Nature and circulated by e-mail to researchers on our database.
Project Grants
The mainstay of our basic science programme, these are internationally advertised, competitive awards that are generally for the support of postdoctoral researchers plus necessary consumables, travel or technical assistance over a period of up to three years. Support will also be considered for equipment if essential to the project. As a member of the Association of Medical Research Charities, Spinal Research follows its position statement on full economic costing (fEC) and will only pay for the directly-incurred and identifiable costs of research. Advertisements are issued as and when sufficient funds are available.
Nathalie Rose Barr PhD Studentships
Named in honour of a late benefactress, this is our annual scheme to support PhD students for 3 years (basic science and clinical PhD projects), that preferably involve collaborative work between laboratories. The scheme is applicable for the UK only. The number of awards will depend on the quality and relevance of the applications and the level of funds available, usually two or three studentships each year.
The awards will include generous levels of support for consumables and travel, plus computer equipment for the student.
Non Clinical PhD Studentships – Stipend Rates Year 1 Within London 20,190 Outside London 18,052 Year 2 Within London 20,897 Outside London 18,684 Year 3 Within London 21,628 Outside London 19,338
Clinical PhD Studentship The rate will be the equivalent of the basic salary plus London Allowance (if applicable) on the Host University's standard scale for Clinical Research Fellows, starting at the lowest point on the scale plus a London Allowance together with the employer's contributions to National Insurance and Superannuation under the University Superannuation Scheme.
Clinical Initiative
This programme aims to set in place the clinical assessment protocols and infrastructure necessary for setting up future trials of potential therapies in the clinical setting.
Other awards
When considered necessary, research projects are specifically commissioned. All such projects are still subject to the normal process of peer-review. Applications from current grantholders for additional small awards, for instance to assist in additional collaborative studies, may be considered. Spinal Research sponsors it’s own closed Annual Research Network Meeting, bringing together the principal investigators, postdoctoral researchers and PhD students working on all our grants, along with a number of other invited experts in the field. Unsolicited applications will only be processed further if they are of a particularly exceptional nature, that justifies non-competitive consideration.
