Cutting-edge medical research
Investment in a future without paraplegia
Each year, Wings for Life funds promising research projects with the aim to find a cure
for spinal cord injury.
All project applications are peer-reviewed and subjected to a strict selection process. In order to foster and strengthen international cutting-edge SCI research, Wings for Life supports the most promising and high-ranked projects.
Research areas
Wings for Life supports research in the following main areas:
- Neuronal and glial protection
The aim is to stop or limit the death of the neuron and the glial, which are the basic components of the spinal cord, after a spinal cord injury.
- Remyelination
Uncovered fibres are non-functional, similar to a cable without insulation. The aim of this subject is to recover the fibres (neurons) in order for them to be able to conduct a “normal nerve signal” again.
- Regeneration/Plasticity
The aim is to achieve regeneration of the injured nerve fibres by promoting the ability for regeneration or diminution of the inhibitory signal.
- Neuroreconstructive therapies
The reconstruction of the damaged united cell structure is achieved through substitution of various cell types, e.g. stem cell transplantation and/or prothetic biomaterials.
- Compensatory approach to SCI
These types of projects are not focused on the direct repair of the injured nervous system, but instead focus on ways to compensate for lost functions.
For explanations of terminology please see
Projects funded until 2011
Grant application 2011
Wings for Life Reviewer
Leading scientists carry out a peer review process in order to select the most promising research projects.
The following list names the leading scientists and clinicians who have bee responsible for evaluating the projects that have applied for Wings for Life funding in the past.
These are the most reputable researchers in opinion leaders in their respective fields. They have helped to ensure optimal investment of Wings for Life funding to the research.
The knowledge and reputation of Wings for Life´s chosen reviewers is essential for an independent and transparent selection of outstanding projects. Based on criteria such as originality, feasibility and applicability to spinal cord injured patients, the selected projects will foster and strengthen international cutting-edge SCI research.
