Spinal Research Special Emphasis Networks
Expression of Interest
The International Spinal Research Trust is a UK-based medical research charity (no. 1151015) with the
sole purpose of funding research aimed at resolving the non- or partial functioning of the injured spinal
cord.
Funding is available to consortia that can demonstrate a “Special Emphasis” on a targeted outcome, and
who, in addition, make a compelling case that funding into the Special Emphasis Network can be
significantly and strategically leveraged. Grants are not restricted to UK-based groups but the principle
coordinating applicant must be from a UK-based research institution. Successful applications will target
outcomes based on restoration of neurological function, be clinically relevant and of high priority to
patients with SCI translating neurological plasticity.
Funding, through “Capacity Grants”, is also available to UK institutions that can demonstrate a high level
of leveraged gearing to our funding. An example might be contribution to the establishment of a centre of
special expertise in SCI research and translation, or co-sponsorship of studentships or fellowships in a
relevant subject matter.
This form should be completed in typescript size of no less than 10 point (1.5 to double spacing). Forms that
do not conform to the specified format will not be accepted.
Please return this form and any other documentation to: Timea Konya, Spinal Research, 80 Coleman Street,
London, EC2R 5BJ (T: 0207 653 8935).
Outline Case for Support
Section A: Investigator Details
Name of lead applicant(s)
Post Held
Department
Institution Address
Email
Tel:
Co-applicants
Name
What funding are you
applying for?
Institute
☐ Special Emphasis Grant – clinical outcome (Section B)
☐ Special Emphasis Grant – therapeutic concept (Section B)
☐ Capacity Grant (please complete Section C)
Section B
If you are applying for Special Emphasis Grant please complete Section B only.
1. What is the overarching theme of this proposed Special Emphasis Network?
(max 200 words)
2. What are the longer-term, high-level aims and objectives of the proposed Special Emphasis
Network and why are the collaborating groups within best placed to address the specific
challenges or opportunities outlined above? (Maximum of 2 pages)
3. Outline the specific strengths of the groups, host institutes, research speciality, clinical
links etc. that justify this application for support as a Special Emphasis Network?
(limit to 1 page or less)
4. Please describe any relevant collaborations between the applicant groups.
5. Describe how funding support would be used to strengthen the collaboration and
capabilities of the groups. Please detail year 1 objectives and milestones.
Section C: Capacity Grants
If you are applying for a Capacity Grant please complete this section only.
Please outline how Spinal Research funding would be used to increase capacity and capability
in spinal cord injury research, detailing how this funding will leverage additional funding e.g.
from co-sponsors or the host institution. (max 200 words)
Guidelines for applicants
Spinal Research is a grant giving charity (number 1151015) based in the UK with the sole purpose of funding research
aimed at resolving the non- or partial functioning of the injured spinal cord.
Background
Following a review of the Trust’s research strategy and priorities we have decided to focus investment of funds in
areas that catalyse collaborative research that is outcome driven, translational and leverages existing expertise and
resources.
Response mode funding has played an important role in establishing understanding of spinal cord injury, its
pathobiology and led to the identification of numerous potential therapeutic targets. It is also appreciated that
successful restoration of meaningful function after spinal cord injury will very likely require combinatorial approaches.
With numerous plausible targets and possible combinations, success at translating this body of knowledge into
clinically testable concepts has proved difficult. A greater degree of focused funding is needed to support the research
and development necessary to cross the translational gap between basic science and clinical application. This
programme of funding aims to provide such focus.
Furthermore, the UK has very significant expertise in the field of spinal cord injury research. However, to date there
has been insufficient investment in infrastructure to support tangible and sustainable research networks. A period of
strategic investment in the UK will help address this also.
The strategic aims of this programme are:



to support collaborative, multidisciplinary outcome-driven initiatives and to move emphasis from solely
competitive, novelty-driven discovery science
defragment and harmonise expertise in the UK – building a networked capacity to deliver results
build commercial and strategic alliance partnerships
The initial strategic grant themes for this programme will be:



Special Emphasis Grants – translating neurological plasticity1
Special Emphasis Grants – functional outcome target
Capacity Grants – building translational/research capacity
Scope
To drive focused and collaborative research across diverse research networks will require identification of agreed
target outcomes. We are looking for innovative solutions to meet the strategic aims above. It is expected that to
successfully compete for funding such target outcomes will be based on restoration of neurological function, be
clinically relevant and of high priority to patients with SCI. By way of example only, such a target outcome might be
bladder function or it might be hand function. In the first instance funding is expected to principally expedite the
“joining up” of existing expertise relevant to such a stated outcome. The concepts and methodology used to achieve
the stated outcome may be multifactorial and mutildisciplinary, hence a consortium or network approach.
Alternatively, an agreed outcome might be to develop and exploit an established therapeutic concept such as
plasticity. Here, the emphasis is on accelerating the clinical application of an exciting general therapeutic concept –
initially, priority is given to neurological plasticity, however other therapeutic concepts will be considered 1.
Funding is available for groups or consortia that can demonstrate a “Special Emphasis” on a targeted outcome (as
outlined above), and who make a compelling case that funding into the Special Emphasis Network can be significantly
leveraged.
1
Submission of expressions of interest outside the theme of neuroplasticity may be carried over and inform priority
themes for subsequent calls.
Awards through the Special Emphasis Grant scheme are not restricted to UK-based groups but the principle
coordinating applicant must be from a UK-based research institution.
Funding, through Capacity Grants, is also available to UK institutions who can demonstrate a high level of leveraged
gearing to our funding. An example might be contribution to the establishment of a centre of special expertise in SCI
research and translation, or co-sponsorship of studentships or fellowships in a relevant subject matter.
Application Process
Stage 1 – applicants must submit an expression of interest which will be assessed. It is expected that successful
applicants at this stage will be invited to take part in a workshop in February 2015 (date to be confirmed).
Stage 2 – invitation of selected applicants to submit a full application.
Applications will be reviewed by a committee that will include two trustees and at least two members of the trusts
strategic advisory committee, and the Executive and Scientific Director.
Deadlines
The deadline for submission of expressions of interest is 5 pm 8th January 2015.