Research and Innovation

The Division of Research and Innovation specializes in research surrounding spinal cord injury, spinal cord injury psychosocial outcomes and wellbeing, rehabilitation psychology, regenerative medicine, cardiovascular disease modeling, and maladaptive neuroplastic mechanisms within the sensorimotor system. Our researchers are supported by various external mechanisms, including the National Institutes of Health, the National Science Foundation, the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR), the Department of Defense, the Paralyzed Veterans of America, and the Department of Defense.

The department is home to the inaugural Minnesota Regional Spinal Cord Injury Model System (MN SCIMS). Funded by the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR), the goal of a Spinal Cord Injury Model System (SCIMS) is to support innovative projects and research in the delivery, demonstration, and evaluation of medical, rehabilitation, vocational, and other services to meet the needs of individuals with SCI. As one of 18 funded SCIMS across the United States, the MN SCIMS is a partnership between Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute, Mayo Clinic, Regions Hospital, and the University of Minnesota. Our system collectively provides a multidisciplinary continuum of care for people with SCI, including emergency medical, acute care, acute rehabilitation, and post-acute services. These services benefit communities in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, and Wisconsin.