The mission of the funder, presumably the Neilsen Foundation given the context, focuses on advancing novel approaches to both improving function and developing curative therapies after spinal cord injury (SCI). Their goal encompasses a broader understanding and improvement in the treatment of both acute and chronic SCI.
The Psychosocial Research (PSR) portfolio of the Craig H. Neilsen Foundation focuses on the interrelation of behavioral, social, psychological, and quality of life factors to benefit individuals living with spinal cord injury. It aims to develop and disseminate best practices through sound data, improving outcomes and quality of life for people with SCI and their loved ones. The grant supports research in areas like aging, caregiving, employment, health behaviors, fitness, independent living, self-management, and technology access. The PSR portfolio encompasses three funding categories: Postdoctoral Fellowships, Pilot Grants, and PSR Studies and Demonstration Projects. Its objectives include understanding the psychological and social factors impacting health and functioning, testing rehabilitation interventions, improving measurement tools, and identifying service gaps. Pilot Grants within this portfolio support preliminary studies that test novel methods, procedures, or gather new data, aiming to lay the groundwork for larger-scale research.