Information

The Ohio State University and the NINDS announce the Fifth Annual OSU Spinal Cord Injury Research Training Program.  This program is offered July 8th – 28, 2007 to teach responsible research methods in Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) modeling in the rodent.  The all-inclusive fee for this program is $2,995.  This fee includes domestic travel to and from Columbus, all training materials, and full room and board expenses for 3 weeks. Some grants-in-aid will be available to partially offset tuition costs. Contact the program administrator for further information.

Our Mission: We are working to improve the lives of people with spinal cord injury by training a community of scientists to use the best possible research methods. The OSU SCI training program is designed for scientists and trainees entering the field who desire in-depth training from experts in SCI research methods.  The curriculum will emphasize proficiency in technical skills and understanding of historical background and current SCI research approaches. The first objectives of the program (General Curriculum) focus on proficiency and reproducibility in rat spinal cord surgery, animal care, and behavioral assessment of locomotor function.  Additional laboratory sessions cover microinjection and cannula placement, neuroanatomical methods and other functional outcome measures.  The laboratory work will be accompanied by interactive lectures and group discussions on topics ranging from principles of responsible animal care and use to current research topics and human perspectives.  Guest faculty, individuals with SCI and representatives of SCI funding agencies will round out the program with additional perspectives. During weeks 2 and 3, Supplemental Topics are offered to provide more individualized training opportunities.  Participants will be enrolled in 1-3 modules based on individual research goals.  Small groups facilitate development of skills and ideas.  During the third week of the program, participants will join us as we host a panel of outstanding visiting spinal cord researchers in a Research Symposium featuring current topics and state of the art approaches.  Scheduled discussion periods will provide opportunities for all participants to meet with the speakers and faculty in small group settings or one-on-one.