On Thursday, 1 November 2007, the Honourable Verity Firth, MP, NSW Minister for Science and Medical Research, announced the launch of the Network as part of the public lecture at the Australia & New Zealand Spinal Cord Society 2007 Annual Scientific Meeting.

This highly successful event was held in the Four Seasons Hotel, George Street, Sydney. You will find some more photographs of the event in the ANZSCIN Launch gallery. Read the Minister's Message of support.

Benefits of joining ANZSCIN

Help advance treatments for spinal cord injury and disease.

What is ANZSCIN?

ANZSCIN (Australia New Zealand Spinal Cord Injury Network) was established in 2007 to advance research and clinical trials into spinal cord injury and disease. Supported by the NSW Government, the ANZSCIN Network draws together leading researchers, clinicians and key stakeholders from Australia and New Zealand.

The network creates inclusive processes and clear structures that promote communication and collaboration between researchers, health professionals, consumers, politicians and government departments. In doing so, ANZSCIN is building the platform for collective, coordinated research. As a result, ANZSCIN is working towards accelerating treatments for spinal cord injury and disease, addressing consumer priorities and improving practice.

Why was ANZSCIN established?

ANZSCIN was established to:

• Foster a network dedicated to facilitating multi-disciplinary and cross-institutional collaborations
• Facilitate communication and information exchange between stakeholders
• Provide leadership with a co-ordinated, strategic approach to research development
• Identify gaps in knowledge and avoid duplication of research effort
• Build capacity to undertake multi-centre clinical trials in spinal cord injury and disease
• Promote priority research in areas of neural protection, functional recovery, rehabilitation and neuroregeneration in spinal cord injury and disease
• Translate basic and clinical research into evidence-based practice
• Strengthen links / developing partnerships with international researchers and networks
• Provide advice on policy development and priorities for clinical trials in spinal cord injury and disease

What is spinal cord injury?

Spinal cord injury presents one of the greatest emotional and physical challenges to ever confront a human. A person with a spinal cord injury must adjust to significant changes in physical functioning, as well as radical changes to his or her independence, ability to participate in family, community and work related activities and, of course, lifestyle. With ageing, comes a greater level of disability and declining health status, affecting quality of life with more frequent hospitalisation and less productivity.

This devastating condition afflicts approximately 300 Australians and 60 New Zealanders every year due to traumatic causes. Young males aged between 16-30 years are at greatest risk with the main cause of injury being motor vehicle accidents, followed by falls, sporting or recreational accidents and occasionally, violence.

The number of SCIs as a result of vascular incidents, spinal infections, demyelinating diseases and cancer is estimated to be almost double that of traumatic injury.

How does ANZSCIN make the difference to Spinal Cord Injury research?

ANZSCIN helps to make a difference for people with spinal cord injury by providing access to the very best available treatments and by improving the chances of research success by:

• Ensuring a more strategic and co-ordinated approach to research
• Identifying and addressing gaps in knowledge and avoidable duplication
• Facilitating communication to ensure local researchers and clinicians are aware of international SCI developments.

Who can become involved in ANZSCIN?

Researchers, health professionals, consumers, politicians and government departments are all invited to become involved in ANZSCIN.

How can I become involved in ANZSCIN?

Interested individuals are invited to join ANZSCIN as members while organisations may join as a member or a corporate sponsor. See:

Join ANZSCIN today

to find out about the benefits of joining ANZSCIN and to access a membership / sponsorship form.

How can I contribute my own research to ANZSCIN?

ANZSCIN members can submit research on-line by entering the password protected Members’ Page. The Members’ Page also includes a Forum enabling members to share ideas in a less formal environment.