Launch of the Australia New Zealand Spinal Cord Injury Network
The Australia New Zealand Spinal Cord Injury Network (ANZSCIN) was launched by The Hon Verity Firth MP, NSW Minister for Science and Medical Research, at the 2007 Australian and New Zealand Spinal Cord Society Annual Scientific Meeting, held in Sydney on 1 November 2007.
In her November launch address, Minister Firth spoke in support of ANZSCIN and announced that up to $600,000 had been set aside by the NSW Government to assist the ongoing activities of the Network over the next three years. Other State and Territory Governments will now be encouraged to come on board in supporting the Network.
Headquartered in NSW, the newly formed Network brings together leading researchers and clinicians across Australia and New Zealand to accelerate the spinal research effort through national, trans-Tasman and international collaborations, and build local capacity to undertake multi-centred clinical trials in this field.
ANZSCIN seeks to make a difference by providing a way for spinal cord injury researchers, clinicians and advocates to communicate and collaborate more effectively. Its establishment builds on the early work championed by the late Christopher Reeve during his visit to Making Connections, the NSW Premier’s Forum on Spinal Cord Injury and Conditions, held in Sydney in 2003.
Now launched, the Network plans to incorporate as a not-for-profit organisation shortly.
NSW Government support for the Network
The NSW Government has supported the development of ANZSCIN through the NSW Office for Science and Medical Research, which has worked closely with a steering committee of researchers and clinicians from across Australia and New Zealand. State support has included a substantial assistance package to facilitate establishment of the Network.
State funding for this initiative forms part of the NSW Government’s strategic support for research in spinal cord injury and related neurological conditions. The NSW Government first dedicated funds for research in this area in 2003. A further $11 million was committed over the next four years commencing in 2007/08, bringing the NSW Government's total commitment to research in spinal cord injury and neurological conditions to $22 million.
For further information on ANZSCIN and to find out what lies ahead for the Network, visit www.anzscin.org or contact Ms Rowena Tucker, Ag/Director of Medical Research, NSW Office for Science and Medical Research, on +61 2 9338 6743.
Hard copies of the ANZSCIN Showcase Document can be obtained by contacting leah@spinalcure.org.au.
See also:
| 
