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Our Research
Researching independence, quality of life and dignity after spinal cord injury — funded entirely by donations, with no Government or NHS support.
What we fund
INSPIRE raises money in a variety of ways, all of it channelled into research focused specifically on spinal cord injury (SCI). Rather than searching for "the cure", we're interested in the here-and-now issues — how the latest electronic, mechanical and medical technology can improve quality of life for people living with tetraplegia and paraplegia today.
Our projects are spread the length of the country — our scientists range from Aberdeen to Bournemouth — reflecting our national focus rather than a single regional footprint.
How projects are chosen
Every project INSPIRE funds is scrutinised by two independent bodies before a penny is committed.
The National Scientific Committee
A world-class panel of specialists in medicine, medical physics and electronics, drawn from the UK's leading teaching hospitals and universities. Twice a year they meet at the Royal Society of Medicine to review the progress of current projects and assess new proposals on their scientific and medical merit.
Meet the CommitteeThe Board of Trustees
Once a project is approved by the Scientific Committee, it's passed to our Board of Trustees, who meet formally twice a year to sign off funding — giving the project the green light to proceed.
Meet the TrusteesExplore our research
Dig deeper into how our research works and what it covers.
What is spinal cord injury?
A brief, plain-language explanation of paraplegia and tetraplegia and what they mean day to day.
Read moreCurrent projects
The projects currently funded and being researched as part of our National Research Programme.
See current projectsResearch strategy
Our guide for scientists on what we do — and don't — fund, and why.
Read our strategyPhD scholarships
Sponsorship opportunities for PhD students researching SCI-related issues.
Scholarship detailsApply for funding
Any scientist can propose a project. Here's how the application process works.
How to applyTake part in our research
Our funded projects rely on willing SCI volunteers — not just Trustees and scientists. Taking part can mean trialling new equipment from the comfort of your own home, completing a research questionnaire, or visiting a project team in person. No two projects are the same, and we know travel to a spinal unit or university isn't possible for everyone, so we'll always try to match you with something that fits.
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Find out moreRegister your interest
Tell us a little about yourself and we'll be in touch about projects that might be a good fit.
Prefer to talk it through first? Call 01722 425098 or email office@inspire-foundation.org.uk
Help fund what comes next
None of this research happens without donations. However you'd like to support us, we'd love to hear from you.