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 grant program from the Craig H. Neilsen Foundation encompasses two main areas: Psychosocial Research (PSR) and Postdoctoral Fellowships. The PSR portfolio focuses on research exploring the complex interplay of behavioral, social, psychological, and other factors impacting the quality of life for individuals with spinal cord injuries. This includes studies on aging, caregiving, employment, health behaviors, fitness, independent living, self-management, and technology access. Meanwhile, the Postdoctoral Fellowships offer two-year mentored experiences to early-career scientists, aiming to foster interest and expertise in SCI-focused psychosocial research and to attract researchers from related health disciplines to this critical field.