Most will agree that progress in knowledge and comprehensive management of SCI depend largely on research. But which research is considered most interesting, most valuable and most readable, and how should it be structured? All of these factors are important to evaluate and consider. This issue contains 6 manuscripts dealing with this topic.
Research: In part I of the 3 bundled manuscripts, Bragge et al. made a worldwide literature search to gain an overview of the volume, nature and findings of studies regarding priorities for SCI research. Despite the difference in research paradigms, they found convergence in the areas of body impairments and relationships. The vast majority of literature within the reviews focused on the SCI patient perspective. In part II, Bragge et al. present a research strategy 'roadmap' developed to define the major steps and key planning questions to consider. Evidence from published SCI research strategy initiatives was synthesised with information from 4 one-on-one semi-structured interviews with key SCI research stakeholders to create a research strategy framework, articulating six key themes and associated activities for consideration. These resources, combined with a review of SCI prioritisation literature, were used to generate a list of draft principles for discussion in a structured stakeholder dialogue meeting. In part III, entitled ‘outcomes’, Middleton et al. propose a regional SCI research strategy, whose objectives can be summarised under four themes:
