Global Researchers Shared Pioneering Discoveries During Two-Day Symposium in Salzburg.
April 30, 2024
In April, the Wings for Life Foundation hosted its annual Scientific Meeting in Salzburg, Austria, a pivotal event in the world of spinal cord research. Over two days, 95 leading researchers from 15 countries gathered in the Austrian city, all committed to advancing the field with the support of Wings for Life funding.
This gathering reignited attention on the upcoming Wings for Life World Run, scheduled for May 5, as the biggest fundraiser for spinal cord research funded by Wings for Life. Here is all you need to know:
– The assembly served as a hub for the exchange of cutting-edge ideas and discoveries among experts hailing from prestigious institutions worldwide, including Harvard Medical School, Balgrist University Hospital, Yale University, and Maastricht University Medical Center. Among the attendees were both established pioneers and promising up-and-coming talents, representing a diverse and interdisciplinary approach to addressing spinal cord injury.
– Reflecting on the significance of such collaborative endeavours, Professor Doctor Manuel Friese, director of the Institute of Neuroimmunology and Multiple Sclerosis at University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf and Wings for Life Scientific Advisory Board member, underscored the importance of joint efforts in tackling this complex issue: “The best thing is to discuss with young scientists the exciting findings which they have generated in the lab, and to see a new thing for the first time that nobody else has seen before. The [Wings for Life Scientific Meeting] is important because I think we need to have a joint effort, really, to tackle this problem. And that, I think, is the core essence of this meeting.”
– Medical breakthroughs unfolded as yet-unpublished study results were presented. A total of 54 presentations were delivered, with 30 featuring the latest discoveries from Wings for Life-funded researchers.
– Dr. Faith Brennan, founder of the Neurotrauma Lab at Queen’s University in Canada, emphasised the importance of such gatherings in propelling research forward: “The Wings for Life Scientific Meeting is an exciting opportunity to network with other amazing scientists and exchange ideas and really move the field forward. It’s important to network with people to understand the cutting-edge research that’s going on, and the more we can communicate as research is ongoing, the more we can troubleshoot and improve our science as it’s progressing.”
– Echoing this sentiment, Professor Doctor Armin Curt, medical director of the Spinal Cord Injury Centre at Balgrist University Hospital and Wings for Life clinical director, expressed gratitude for the support of participants in the Wings for Life World Run: ” Spinal cord injury is a disaster to the body. Thanks to your generosity, we are actually able to help patients – and we do help patients in your name. We are very thankful for your gracious support.”
The Wings for Life World Run: Breaking Records for a Cause
– With the momentum gained from the insightful exchange at the Wings for Life Scientific Meeting, the global running community eagerly awaits the 11th edition of the Wings for Life World Run, scheduled for May 5, 2024. This event not only aims to break its own record for the largest and most inclusive running event in the world, surpassing the 2023 record of 206,728 registered participants, but also serves as the primary fundraiser for spinal cord research.
– With just days remaining, participants of all fitness levels are encouraged to join in this unique run, where they will be chased by the iconic “Catcher Car” as the moving finish line. Participants worldwide will commence simultaneously, running individually with the Wings for Life World Run App or in one of several Flagship Runs. As the Catcher Car overtakes them, their race concludes, with the last individuals to be caught named global champions.
– Every registration fee contributes directly to funding research projects and clinical trials aimed at finding a cure for spinal cord injury. In previous editions of the Wings for Life World Run, a remarkable 1,293,716 registered participants from 195 nationalities came together across all seven continents, raising a staggering €43.8 million for spinal cord research.
– The Wings for Life World Run has garnered support from a diverse array of athletes and celebrities, all rallying behind the cause. These include footballer Neymar Jr, sailor Jimmy Spithill, rugby star Siya Kolisi, MotoGP’s Marc Márquez and Dani Pedrosa, surfer Carissa Moore, trials rider Fabio Wibmer, triathlete Lucy Charles-Barclay, fencing ace Miles Chamley-Watson, rally racers Sébastien Loeb and Carlos Sainz Sr, cycling sensation Tom Pidcock, cricketer Ben Stokes, skiier Lindsey Vonn, and hurdler Karsten Warholm.
– For those unable to participate directly, supporting friends and family is made easy through the Wings for Life World Run Live Experience 2024. Users can track runners, cheer them on with audio stickers, spot them in live video feeds, and immerse themselves in the event through interviews and more.