The Spinal Cord Injury/Disease Research Program (SCIDRP) is a state-wide Missouri funding program that is administered by the UM System. The program supports eligible research grants from academic institutions, the private sector, and individuals. The SCIDRP provides one-year Research Grants of up to $100,000 for research projects in Missouri that deal with (a) spinal cord injuries or (b) acquired/congenital diseases of the spinal cord.
The SCIDRP was established by the state legislature in 2001 to support research in Missouri that will advance scientific knowledge in the area of spinal cord injuries and congenital or acquired disease processes that affect the spinal cord. A major focus of the SCIDRP program is to encourage investigators to do exploratory research of a potentially higher risk nature, test new ideas, and build a foundation for submissions to external funding agencies. Previously supported projects include basic/foundational research, such as the biology of spinal cord injuries/diseases, to applied research, such improving the treatment and mobility of persons suffering from spinal cord injuries. Additionally, the program aims to bring new investigators, and investigators who are experienced in other areas, into research on spinal cord injuries and spinal cord diseases. Individuals eligible to apply include, but are not limited to, tenure-track and non-tenure track faculty, postdoctoral fellows, graduate students, engineers, physicians, nurses, physical therapists, and other types of health care workers.
This year the SCIDRP expects that several Research Grants will be awarded to investigators who are employees or staff members of public or private educational, health care, voluntary health associations or research institutions located in Missouri. Based on the recommendation of the Advisory Board of the SCIDRP and approval by the University of Missouri Board of Curators, a maximum of up to $100,000 will be available for exceptional projects.
In accordance with sections 172.794.1 (5) and 172.790 (4) RSMo Cum. Supp. 2012, the research project, defined as, “any original investigation for the advancement of scientific knowledge in the area of spinal cord injuries and congenital or acquired disease processes”, must be conducted in Missouri. The SCIDRP funds proposals in a number of areas involving pathological conditions of the spinal cord:
Studies of spinal cord injuries due to trauma that lead to paralysis, loss of sensation, spasticity, pain, etc.
Research focusing on congenital, inherited or acquired spinal cord diseases, such as Friedreich's ataxia, multiple sclerosis (MS), poliomyelitis, ALS, SMA, spinal stenosis, cervical spondylosis, spina bifida, scoliosis, Cobb syndrome, spinal AVMs, tumors and others.
Research may focus on injury or disease mechanisms; injury or disease prevention; imaging technology; pharmacological, surgical or gene therapy; physical, occupational or vocational rehabilitation; clinical features (e.g. paralysis, loss of sensation, spasticity, autonomic dysfunction, pain, etc.); comorbidities (e.g. metabolic syndrome, sleep disorders); disease prevention; bioengineering approaches (e.g. BMI, biomaterials, etc.); and other scientific paradigms.
Research Grants: One-year grants for up to $100,000 to investigate various aspects of spinal cord injuries and/or spinal cord diseases. The SCIDRP is not intended to be a continuous source of funding. It is expected that SCIDRP awardees will apply for additional funding from other sources, particularly external granting agencies.
Budget items should be for the proposed research project only and not for non-research expenses. Unallowable expenses include (but not limited to): graduate student tuition and fees; overhead or indirect costs. For successful proposals, applicants and appropriate fiscal officers will be required to sign a standard agreement/contract form with the SCIDRP that will outline the conditions pertaining to funding.
For funded Research Grants, a progress report is due at least 30 days prior to the end of the first year of funding. A final report due within 90 days after at the end of the project and a possible later follow-up report must be submitted to the SCIDRP. Investigators who have received SCIDRP funds may not be allowed to reapply at a later time if these reports are not submitted when requested.
The SCIDRP will accept proposals for Research Grants for one deadline during the year. Awards will be made following the Spring Board of Curators meeting, with an approximate start date of March 1.
An individual is not eligible to be the PI on more than one SCIDRP grant at the same time. This includes SCIDRP grants that receive a no-cost extension.
Reviewed 2023-09-19