Scottish Centre for Innovation in Spinal Cord Injury

About Us

Scottish Centre for Innovation in Spinal Cord Injury

The Scottish Centre for Innovation in Spinal Cord Injury, SCISCI, is an umbrella group to support translational research in a clinical setting. QENSIU acts as an embedded research micro site within the NHS to promote research and to provide access and stimulation for clinicians, patients and researchers to work together. The group conducts research in all areas of spinal cord injury from clinical review and outcome through understanding and promoting neural repair and regeneration to active intervention assessment and treatment strategies all based on basic science. The research is patient orientated and extends from harvesting and growing olfactory stem cells to robotic walking and brain computer interfacing. Psychological studies and the impact of disability are equally important. The aim is to scientifically assess the extent, natural history and recovery pattern of SCI and harness agents that promote and optimise the functioning and health of those living with disability.

Spinal Injuries Scotland (Registered Charity: SC015405) is a collaborative partner within Scotland, it is the national voluntary organisation concerned with new and long-term spinal cord injured people, their relatives and friends. QENSIU works closely with other third sector organisations involved in the management, care and rehabilitation of people following spinal cord injury, including Back Up, Aspire and the Spinal Injuries Association.

Queen Elizabeth National Spinal Injuries Unit for Scotland

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a severe and devastating neurological disorder that leaves patients with permanent paralysis of the body. No treatment is available today to regenerate interrupted nerve fibres and repair the damaged spinal cord. The Queen Elizabeth National Spinal Injuries Unit (QENSIU), is a model unit opened in 1992 to care for the spinal cord injured community of Scotland. Over 100 new patients in Scotland suffer a spinal cord injury annually. The Unit provides a comprehensive clinical service which includes all aspects of treatment, rehabilitation and health and wellbeing from acute care through to life long follow up. Research in basic sciences, clinical treatment and prevention including translational approaches is a fundamental and embedded function of the QENSIU.