Securing the Team to Make a Giant Leap
The CatWalk Trust is delighted to announce the launch of The Cure Programme – a five-year commitment to support New Zealand’s brightest and best research talent to drive a cure for spinal cord injury.
Over the past 20 years, we’ve developed and nurtured a team of specialist spinal cord researchers, right here in Aotearoa New Zealand. We call them the Spine Squad.
Led by Prof Darren Svirskis, the Spine Squad is a carefully selected team of some of the most innovative young Kiwi scientists, specialising in spinal cord research. Based at the University of Auckland and working in partnership with colleagues around the world they’re utilising the latest technological advances and closing in on a cure for spinal cord injury – fast!
The Spine Squad’s research niche is specifically focused on improving function after a spinal cord injury. This includes the regeneration of nerves and the replacement of lost cells. Not only will this help Kiwis to walk again, it will also ease many of the other symptoms associated with spinal cord injury.
Not if. When!
We know a breakthrough cure is within reach so we’re dedicating funding to the Spine Squad to free them up to think innovatively and work collaboratively. Through The Cure Programme, we’re providing them with the right environment to innovate; we’re monitoring and managing their progress; and we’re empowering them to act and react as they go.
Check back here for updates as we continue to break through the barriers on our way to a cure.
Do you want to get in behind some of New Zealand’s brightest minds? Are you keen to support innovative research based in Aotearoa? Reach out to Meg Speirs now to talk about how you can join CatWalk to support the Spine Squad and cure spinal cord injury.
Meg Speirs, GM, CatWalk Trust, meg@catwalk.org.nz, 021 670 390
