Translational Spectrum Grants

Translational Spectrum Grants

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Craig H. Neilsen Foundation
Amount: Up to US $400,000
Last Updated: February 17, 2026

Summary

The SCI Research on the Translational Spectrum (SCIRTS) portfolio aims to promote innovative research that enhances function and alleviates complications following spinal cord injuries. It encourages studies that involve individuals with SCI, emphasizing translational significance in research designs. SCIRTS grants support diverse research areas, including mechanistic, preclinical, and clinical studies, to develop effective interventions. Funding categories include Postdoctoral Fellowships, Pilot Research Grants, and Senior Research Grants, targeting early-career and senior investigators to advance spinal cord injury research.

Overview

SCI Research on the Translational Spectrum The SCIRTS portfolio supports the development of new approaches to restore/enhance function and prevent or alleviate complications that arise after traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI). Research should be designed to demonstrate an improvement in function or clinical decision-making. The inclusion of individuals with SCI in the design of studies to aid the development of research that leads to an improved quality of life is encouraged. Portfolio Objectives This portfolio emphasizes SCI (vs. diseases or disorders that affect the spinal cord). It is intended to support important new research ideas or demonstrate the efficacy of interventions while accepting the risk associated with this pursuit. Study designs may be based on existing datasets, preclinical models, or human participants. SCIRTS is not intended to support basic cellular research or largescale clinical trials. Instead, it seeks to generate initial data with clear translational significance that enable larger funding opportunities and future clinical trials. SCIRTS Grants support research projects that include, but are not limited to, the following areas: Mechanistic Research, including the development of novel strategies aimed at:Neuroprotection and/or elucidation of the pathological mechanisms that occur after SCI; Pathophysiology of the injured spinal cord; Promotion of neuronal survival, axonal regeneration, synaptogenesis, myelination, and functional connectivity after SCI;Transplantation strategies for SCI recovery; Pharmacological therapies to improve function after SCI; Bioengineering solutions to improve function in persons with SCI; and Chronic SCI treatment and issues related to aging with SCI.Preclinical, Translational Research that will enable future clinical trials, such as:The effects of SCI and novel interventions on sensory and motor function; Use of preclinical models of SCI to develop interventions to alleviate complications of SCI including bowel, bladder, sexual and other autonomic dysfunctions, respiratory dysfunction, neuropathic pain, pressure sores, osteoporosis and the effects of aging with SCI; andTrial-enabling studies, e.g., to confirm the mechanism of action for novel therapeutics, dosing, toxicity, etcClinical Research, such as:Studies to establish the natural history and progression of functional outcomes over time after SCI;Efforts to develop and validate outcome measures needed to facilitate definitive clinical trials in SCI populations; andTesting of innovative rehabilitation strategies and devices in persons with SCI. This Application Guide is intended specifically for the following grant funding categories: SCIRTS Postdoctoral Fellowships:Two-year Postdoctoral Fellowships encourage early-career training and specialization in the field of spinal cord injury research.SCIRTS Pilot Research Grants:Two-year Pilot Research Grants help to establish new investigators in the field of spinal cord injury research and assume the risk inherent when established investigators undertake new directions in their work. These grants cultivate new lines of research, help move work across the translational spectrum and generate essential preliminary data. SCIRTS Senior Research Grants:Three-year Senior Research Grants encourage senior-level investigators to expand the scope of their work into new directions through targeted studies with high potential to move the field forward. These grants are intended to encourage investigators to open new areas of research, fill gaps in the spinal cord injury field, and test cutting-edge ideas and approaches.

Eligibility

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