EuroSpine, the Spine Society of Europe established a Task Force on Research (TFR) in October 2009 during the Society’s Annual Meeting in Warsaw, Poland. The EuroSpine Executive Committee and General Assembly approved the EuroSpine TFR. Dr. Margareta Nordin (Chair) was asked to assemble a task force of high caliber, charged with developing a set of guidelines and tasks for the TFR.
The overall purpose of the EuroSpine TFR is to promote high quality research in clinical and non-clinical studies related to spine ailments, and to administer the research funds allocated by the Society in the form of grants to support this research.
Clinical research is defined as epidemiological population, and clinical research studies, including randomized clinical trials, cohort studies, and outcomes measure/development studies that relate to the etiology, diagnosis, treatment, and/or prognosis of spinal disorders. Qualitative studies and healthcare research studies are considered clinical studies.
Non–clinical research is defined as all other studies (animal studies, basic science, biomechanical studies, applied studies, ergonomic studies, public health research, cost-benefit studies, and other studies) that are conducted on some aspect of spinal
disorders.
In its inaugural years (2011 – 2012), the committee will fund studies for one year (including pilot studies) for up to €30,000 (Euros). The EuroSpine Foundation is committed to identify other financial contributos to fund these pilot studies and more research projects.
A research course is suggested to be offered once a year by the TFR, featuring topics and speakers about designing and conducting high quality studies.
Information on applications and funding awards will be posted on the EuroSpine website. The research areas, request for proposals, funding availability, research course, and TFR members will be posted and available for applicants who are considering applying for a grant. This website will also outline the requirements for grant funding.
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