Vision Statement
In 2000, the Foundation's Board made a decision to sharpen the focus of its investment in chiropractic research. Initially, this intent was articulated by an undertaking to fund only those research projects which were 'unique to the chiropractic paradigm'. This resulted, over the intervening years, in some major reworking of the grant application assessment process.
To more clearly define Spinal Research's field of research interest the Board formally adopted the use of a Research Culture Statement. This guides all facilitation of funds.
Research Culture Statement
The The Mission of the Australian Spinal Research Foundation is to facilitate research and disseminate knowledge that furthers the understanding, development and effectiveness of chiropractic care.
The chiropractic paradigm hypothesises that chiropractic care leads to better nervous system function, facilitating a greater level of health, enhanced quality of life and human performance.
Our focus is on facilitating research that investigates this hypothesis and funding is directed to support two research priorities.
Research Priorities
Establishing research priorities supports the Foundation’s vision to contribute and resource research that expands our knowledge base for overall health and well being of the community.
In this 2010 grant round, funding will be earmarked to support two research priorities.
Priority 1: Fundamental Research
The Foundation is interested in supporting research that expands our knowledge and understanding of the vertebral subluxation complex.
Priority 2: Clinical Research
The Foundation is interested in clinically oriented studies that contribute to and expand our knowledge and understanding of the impact of chiropractic adjustments on the spine, nervous system, global health and quality of life.
Our AimsThe Australian Spinal Research Foundation aims to progressively build a reputation for reliability and relevance with respect to performing our role such that chiropractors and chiropractic organizations the world over will come to utilize, appreciate and support the Foundation as a valuable resource. The Foundation recognizes the need for an expanded, multifaceted research profile that incorporates the spine in health care delivery and prevention of disease. Our focus is on funding research projects that investigate the nature of the vertebral subluxation and its impact on physiology, health and quality of life.
Our focus is across several key responsibilities:
- Understanding and acknowledging the landscape in which we operate and factors impacting on chiropractic research.
- Creating a collaborative environment with stakeholders to help grow the chiropractic research community.
- Generating funds for direct grant making.
- Managing a best practice peer review process for grant applications to maximize the benefits to the chiropractic profession.
- Communicating relevant research from various sources to chiropractors, clients, educators, influencers, legislators and the media.
The Australian Spinal Research Foundation supports and encourages publication of research in the scientific literature by granting research funds conditional on publication. Progress on funded research is reported at scientific symposia, conferences, within newsletters, and through other media.
Modus OperandiOur Modus Operandi is to be evidence-based, collaborative and engaging.
Evidence-based - It is critical to ensure our activities add to the evidence base for health outcomes through chiropractic. We believe chiropractic by nature is vitalistic and patient-centred, and therefore recognise that being evidence-based does not and must not restrict us to considering only such evidence as that gained through the traditional, reductionist scientific method. We are committed to a view that robust, evidence-based research will ideally come from a variety of research methodologies.
Collaborative - At all stages of our work we acknowledge that we are one part of a large and complex system in terms of the chiropractic profession, the broader health sector, and the global health interests of consumers. With the intent of integrating research, policy and practice within chiropractic, the need for collaboration within the profession is vital to achieve and sustain life-changing health perspectives and outcomes across the health sector and through a better informed public.
We recognize it is important for us to build strong linkages with relevant professional bodies, researchers, academics and practicing professionals. We are willing pioneers in adopting a shared agenda related to the vertebral subluxation complex, contributing to and working with other organizations in growing the future of chiropractic.
Engaging - The Australian Spinal Research Foundation has benefited from an engagement model in fulfilling our mission. The Foundation cannot grow and develop impact within the community without the continued input of those who contribute time, talent or money to the organization. Our activities are structured to welcome volunteer effort. The strong position we are in to fund and support chiropractic research is due in large part to the team of volunteers who support us.
The Dynamic Growth movement is the epitome of this volunteer ethos, demonstrated by those who selflessly commit themselves to lead and fuel the Foundation. There are few professions in which an attitude of contributing personal effort to a cause is more profoundly expressed. The Dynamic Growth Movement’s Mission Statement underpins and guides our engagement model.
Dynamic Growth Movement’s Mission Statement
Dynamic Growth describes a range of events convened by members of the chiropractic community for the chiropractic community. Those who participate in these activities form part of the Dynamic Growth Movement and the purpose of this movement is to support members of the chiropractic community in their quest to become their best, both personally and professionally.
The focus of the Dynamic Growth Movement is the human side of practice, the raison d’être, encompassing both personal and practice-based principles. Of particular importance is an ethos of personal growth through the sharing process and development of peer and mentor networks. The movement embraces diversity within the profession.
Dynamic Growth is primarily a grass-roots movement, recognizing the depth of knowledge, leadership, experience and talent available from within the members of the chiropractic community. Dynamic Growth gives this knowledge, experience and talent a forum for expression. The Movement strongly promotes, and relies upon the use of volunteers.
The financial aim of all Dynamic Growth events is to support chiropractic research through the Australian Spinal Research Foundation.
Our ActivitiesOur work focuses on grant-making for subluxation-based chiropractic research. In order to finance our work the Foundation undertakes various activities through which funds are raised.
Membership - Membership is the life blood of our Foundation and the work we do! Our members see the importance of chiropractic research to future practice and patient outcomes.
Events - The Foundation hosts a range of events aimed at funding research and delivering on that part of our Mission devoted to 'disseminating knowledge that furthers the understanding, development and effectiveness of chiropractic care'.
Dynamic Growth Congress - Dynamic Growth Congress (DG) is the largest annual chiropractic event in Australasia, hosting almost 1000 delegates, exhibitors, students and supporters. DG is the birthplace of the Dynamic Growth Movement and is a key fundraising activity. Our Board of committed, honorary Governors and more than 100 volunteers act as advisors, speakers and team members to make this event a spectacular success.
DG Student Workshop - Dynamic Growth Congress is host to the Foundation’s investment in the chiropractic student body throughout Australasia, representing the future of the chiropractic profession. Students are invited to participate in a free and exclusive workshop aimed at bridging academic learning with ‘real-world' practice.
Dynamic Growth Experiences - Dynamic Growth Experiences are half-day showcases staged throughout multiple regions in Australia and New Zealand. These events provide a forum for chiropractic knowledge leaders to impart invaluable practice-based and life learning. Experiences represent a significant peer network opportunity and are greatly appreciated for their inclusive approach.
Parker Seminar (Australasia) - The Foundation enjoys a strategic alliance with Parker Seminars (USA) whereby internationally acclaimed chiropractic speakers and profession leaders join with the Australasian chiropractic community to deliver the Parker Principles and contemporary chiropractic teachings consistent with the Principles. This relationship has grown to be multi-dimensional with Australasian speakers also presenting on speaking platforms for Parker Seminars in the USA. The Foundation’s profits from Parker Seminars contribute to our research endeavors.
Communications
The Foundation provides information, as part of our Mission, through a variety of media including newsletters, bulletins, fact sheets, direct mail, email, fax, tele-seminars and the web.
In addition to direct communication from the Spinal Research support team, a student liaison group has been formed. The Student Liaison Group (SLG), established on each chiropractic campus performs a vital function linking the student bodies and the Foundation. Information is carried to student bodies through volunteer student representatives on campus. These honorary representatives also convey information from students to the Foundation in a 360 degree communication circle. We encourage students towards research through an awards program. The Foundation recognizes students as the future of the chiropractic profession encouraging them to aspire to research and practice leadership.
Our Newsletter - The Foundation publishes an 8 - 12 page full colour Newsletter, entitled 'Illuminate', four times per annum. Content is chiropractic-centric with emphasis on research findings and various related studies linked to chiropractic practice, the profession and lifestyle. Newsletters carry information pieces about the profession, personal profiles and news of upcoming events. Minimal advertising content delivers high visibility messages whilst helping defray the publication and mailing costs.
Focus on Research - Focus on Research is a compilation of chiropractic related research abstracts issued to members throughout the year and posted to our web site for their review.
Chiropractic Update - Chiropractic Update is a ‘one page’ fact sheet dedicated exclusively to a single research study related to the chiropractic profession. The fact sheet carries relevant information to ensure our constituency is appropriately informed and can draw value from research on a regular basis. Chiropractic Update is published multiple times throughout the year.
Patient Update - Patient Updates are released as easy to read, user friendly information pieces able to be distributed in clinics by Chiropractic Assistants. Topics cover a variety of interest areas consistent with a chiropractic lifestyle and are chosen for likely patient interest.
Commercial Communications - Demand for commercial message delivery to the chiropractic community has given rise to fund-raising activities which are continually expanding and growing our research capacity.
'Communicate' is our commercial message delivery package, affording suppliers of goods, services and news a tailored solution to suit varying circumstances and budgets through the media options offered. Profits raised are exclusively applied to the Foundation’s purposes, without dilution through third party consultants, agents or commercial partners. The generosity of members of the chiropractic community in accepting these messages, without unsubscribing, is a further demonstration of their support to chiropractic research and is greatly appreciated. The Foundation is committed to developing multiple fund raising initiatives which continue to enhance the Foundation’s sustainability beyond our generous members and donors.
The Future
The Australian Spinal Research Foundation looks to its future with unbridled enthusiasm and optimism. The Foundation is a vehicle for nurturing chiropractic. A vehicle which is focused, committed and with clear vision.
Our Bona Fides
Australian Spinal Research Foundation is a company limited by guarantee under Australian Corporations Law. The Foundation is an approved Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) under the Australian Income Tax Assessment Act (Section 30-15, Research Institute) and an Income Tax Exempt Charity (Section 50-5). The Foundation is registered as Charity No. 1193 under the Queensland Collections Act and is exempt from Stamp Duty under the Stamp Act.
How is the Australian Spinal Research Foundation Managed?
The Australian Spinal Research Foundation is managed by an Honorary Board of ten Governors elected by the membership. Governors are elected for three years, and at least three must stand down each year.
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