From Evidence to Action: Aus-InSCI Translation Project Advances SCI Research Translation

This Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Week we highlight the experiences and priorities of people living with spinal cord injury (SCI) through showcasing research which aims to create meaningful improvements in health, rehabilitation and quality of life.

 

At The Hopkins Centre, the Aus-InSCI Translation Project is helping turn research evidence and lived experience into action. The three-year project is translating findings from the Aus-InSCI Community Survey into activities designed to improve clinical practice, strengthen community supports and inform policy and systems.   

To celebrate World Spinal Cord Injury Day on 5th September, 2026 we asked members of our Consumer Advisory Committee to tell us “What is one thing you wish people knew about living with spinal cord injury”  This is what they said: 

 

Turning research into action

A key focus of the project has been making research findings accessible and useful to the people and organisations who can drive change. People with lived experience and SCI professionals helped to decide on the research priorities through a national survey

·        e-Delphi study summary,

and work is now progressing to translate findings into action -  using Real Voices to create Real Change

 

The project has produced a growing collection of resources which we encourage you to explore The Aus-InSCI Translation Project Resources - Hopkins Centre

 

Progress shaped by lived experience

Meaningful involvement of people with lived experience is central to the project, which is guided by a nine-member Consumer Advisory Committee alongside a national Steering Committee.

This was a key focus of the project's recent Hopkins Hour: Advancing the Aus-InSCI Translation Project: Midpoint Outcomes and Reflections, held in June 2026. The webinar provided an update on the project's progress, including outcomes from the e-Delphi study, development of an environmental scan protocol and plans for the remaining 18 months of the project. The session also featured reflections from Consumer Advisory Committee Co-Chairs Antonio Vecchio and Dr Johnny Bourke, and lived experience experts Marita Finch and Daniel Cheong, highlighting the important role of lived experience in shaping the project's direction and impact.

 

Continuing the journey

As the project moves into its next phase, the focus is on building on this work and supporting practical change across health services, community supports and broader systems.

This Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Week, the Aus-InSCI Translation Project demonstrates the value of bringing research, clinical expertise and lived experience together to move knowledge from evidence to action and help improve outcomes for people living with SCI.

Explore the Aus-InSCI Translation Project resources or watch the recent Hopkins Hour to learn more about the project's progress.