ICORD (International Collaboration On Repair Discoveries) is the evolution of CORD (Collaboration On Repair Discoveries). ICORD represents a new interdisciplinary research centre for the development of effective strategies to promote functional recovery and quality of life after spinal cord injury. This initiative is the result of a Canadian Foundation for Innovation (CFI) grant awarded to CORD in January, 2002.

Receiving the CFI grant allowed CORD to expand the scope of its research efforts to include aspects spinal cord injury ranging from molecules to community integration. It also allowed CORD to broaden its collaborative research base, which now includes spinal cord injury researchers from around the world. To reflect this new vision for spinal cord injury research, CORD's name was changed to ICORD. It is anticipated that ICORD will serve as a hub for spinal cord injury research not only for British Columbia, but for Canada and, indeed, the world.

The reality of ICORD and its unique vision has been made possible through a founding partnership between the Rick Hansen Institute, the University of British Columbia and Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute.

Inclusive

The ICORD's international research centre will bring Vancouver's internationally recognized spinal cord injury (SCI) researchers out of relative isolation and place them in an environment that will allow them to work effectively together in close proximity to SCI patients.

This unique centre, located at the Vancouver General Hospital site, will allow over 300 researchers to share equipment, facilities, and knowledge. This leading-edge centre will also attract national and international researchers who will utilize the dedicated space for collaborative research. ICORD's co-ordinated and inclusive approach will serve to further accelerate the pace of discovery of new therapies to promote functional recovery following SCI.

Innovative

The synergy created by multidisciplinary collaboration will result in innovative approaches and solutions for understanding the consequences of SCI. Shared access to state of the art equipment and facilities will accelerate discoveries leading to improved outcomes following SCI.

Integrated

Integration of ICORD's research themes will create a circular flow of information amongst all members of the ICORD team. This will generate a positive feedback loop that will drive a rapid translation of research discoveries into improved functional outcomes and quality of life for people with SCI.