Last week, in a virtual setting, we brought together our incredible supporter network of individuals, groups, businesses and foundations, to thank them and to share with them our vision to improve the lives of people with spinal cord injury and the impact we are making in the field of spinal cord injury research.

Our wonderful Patron, Lady Southey AC, hosted the event and reminded everyone of how important and unique our work is in spinal cord injury research collaboration and consumer engagement.

Through live presentations and recorded messages, we shared stories of how we are making a positive impact; always striving to improve the lives of people with spinal cord injury. Speakers included Fi Slaven, SRI Chair; A/Prof Doug Brown AM, SRI Executive Director; Dr Mario D’Cruz, SRI Director; Dr Gillean Hilton, occupational therapist and researcher, Austin Health; Dr Diana Dorstyn, psychologist and researcher, Adelaide University; Dr Marnie Graco, physiotherapist and researcher, Institute for Breathing and Sleep; Dr Vanesa Bochkezanian, lecturer in neurological physiotherapy, Central Queensland University, and; Mr Antonio Vecchio, SRI Consumer Engagement Lead.

Kristine Hendry, SRI CEO, spoke to our future programs and goals, saying; “We are working hard to deliver on our mission, through programs demonstrating excellence and innovation.

“Our programs for the support of spinal cord injury early career researchers are unique and leading the way in Australia and internationally, a position we are proud to hold.

“Our vision for the Consumer Engagement Program is to transform the spinal cord injury research field, starting here in Victoria, by supporting consumers – people with lived experience of spinal cord injury – to be actively involved in the research process.”

The photo below shows many of the guests who attended our event, and we are grateful for their support and for sharing our vision.

Learn more about supporting the work of the SRI.