Newswise — ROSEMONT, Ill. (February 11, 2013) — The Collaborative Spine Research Foundation (Collaborative Spine) — a non-profit 501(c)(3) grant administration and research organization, formed through a collaborative alliance between the Neurosurgery Research and Education Foundation (NREF) and the Orthopaedic Research and Education Foundation (OREF) to advance the science and practice of the highest-quality spine care through the collaborative funding and support of clinical research — is proud to make a new funding opportunity announcement (FOA).

The Collaborative Spine FOA soliciting research grant applications for clinical spine research will provide up to $10 million dollars for original research projects that address the 10 topics included in Collaborative Spine’s research agenda. These topics can be found online on the organization’s website at www.csrfoundation.net/CSRFresearchagenda.html. Research areas include assessment, methods and processes of spine care. Research funding will be for projects of one to three years in duration, at an amount up to $300,000/year. A second-round FOA, targeted for high-priority research topics, is anticipated for the fall of 2013.

Collaborative Spine anticipates research grant solicitations to be published by May 1, 2013, with funding to commence by Sept. 1, 2013. Interested parties may view updates and future announcements at www.csrfoundation.net.

Both NREF and OREF are 501 (c)(3) foundations that are well established and highly respected for their non-conflicted, independent policies and procedures, rigorous peer-review and selection processes, and commitment to advancing the science and practice of orthopaedic and neurological surgery for the benefit of their patients. Together, the NREF and OREF have awarded more than $110 million dollars in research and educational grants and awards since 1953.

Until the solicitations and request for proposal (RFP) applications are published, Collaborative Spine cannot provide additional information on their contents. General information related to Collaborative Spine’s mission, objectives, administration and research agenda may be found at www.csrfoundation.net.

General comments or inquires regarding Collaborative Spine should be directed to:Wendy Nelson, Spine Grants ManagerCollaborative Spine Research Foundation6300 North River Road, Suite 700Rosemont, IL 60018(847) 384-4358[email protected]

The Collaborative Spine Research Foundation is a 501(c) (3) organization co-founded in December 2011 by the American Association of Neurosurgeons/Neurosurgery Research and Education Foundation (NREF) and Orthopaedic Research and Education Foundation (OREF). The board of directors includes equal numbers of orthopaedic surgeons and neurosurgeons, as well as a physician from a third medical specialty, currently anesthesiology. For more information, please visit www.csrfoundation.net.