Advancing Spinal Cord Injury Research
- 4 hours ago
- 2 min read
A new research grant aimed at strengthening spinal cord injury research in Victoria has been launched.
The Marigold Southey & Freemasons Foundation Victoria Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Research Grant was officially launched at a special morning tea held at Cranlana on Thursday 19 February. The Foundation has committed $60,000 per year for three years to support the program, which is designed to nurture the next generation of spinal cord injury researchers.
Named in honour of Lady Southey, Patron of the Spinal Research Institute, the grant recognises her long-standing commitment to community service and medical research in Victoria. Endorsed by Lady Southey herself, the initiative will support early and mid-career researchers at critical stages in their careers.
Launching the grant, Spinal Research Institute Chair Fi Slaven highlighted the importance of supporting emerging talent in the field.
“This grant will strengthen the pathway of support for Victorian researchers, helping us attract and retain the best and brightest minds in spinal cord injury research. It is more than financial support; it is an investment in the breakthroughs of tomorrow’s research.”
The new grant will support a vital cohort of early career researchers, including doctors, nurses, allied health professionals and social workers, who are addressing the complex and often life-limiting challenges faced daily by those with spinal cord injury.
By supporting emerging researchers to conduct their studies in clinical settings, the scholarship will strengthen the connection between research and patient care. Evidence shows that clinician-researchers are ideally placed to identify gaps, construct research questions and translate findings into evidence-based solutions - leading to better patient outcomes.
FFV Chairman, Garry James, reflected on the strong alignment between Lady Southey’s lifelong dedication to service and the Foundation’s commitment to supporting initiatives that improve lives.
He spoke of the shared hope that continued advances in research will help ensure that young people facing the trauma of spinal cord injury can look to a future of greater possibility - one where they can reach their full potential and live healthier, stronger lives.
The flexible scholarship structure will enable SRI to provide PhD top-up funding, support impactful research activities and offer professional development opportunities, such as attending scientific conferences so researchers can build networks and share discoveries with a global audience.
By investing in emerging talent through this prestigious award, the partnership between the Spinal Research Institute and Freemasons Foundation Victoria aims to drive meaningful advances in spinal cord injury research - delivering life-changing outcomes for people living with spinal cord injury in Victoria and beyond.
