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Research Renaissance: Exploring the Future of Brain ScienceAuthor: Karen Toffler Charitable Trust
Delve into the frontiers of cutting-edge brain science with Research Renaissance a podcast presented by the Karen Toffler Charitable Trust. Join us on a journey of discovery with a diverse lineup of guests, including early career researchers undertaking groundbreaking studies. Hear their insights alongside voices from investment communities, policymakers, and research institutions. Collectively we explore the complexities of neurological diseases, their root causes, potential treatments, and the pursuit of cures. Join us in illuminating the path towards a comprehensive understanding of the brain and advancements in addressing its ailments. Language: en-us Genres: Health & Fitness, Life Sciences, Medicine, Science Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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From Lived Experience to Life-Changing Innovation: How Praxis Reimagines Spinal Cord Injury Solutions
Tuesday, 25 November, 2025
In this powerful episode of Research Renaissance, Arushi Raina and John Chernesky from the Praxis Spinal Cord Institute pull back the curtain on what it really takes to innovate in spinal cord injury—and why the future of neurological care depends on integrating technology, science, and most importantly, lived experience.Rather than treating individuals as patients or passive recipients of care, Praxis centers their entire innovation pipeline around those living with spinal cord injury (SCI), involving them from ideation through market launch. Arushi shares how shifting from product “for” to product “with” the SCI community has accelerated meaningful breakthroughs. John explains why he refuses the label “patient” and instead champions the term Plex – Persons with Lived Experience, a philosophy now driving clinical research, product development, and even investment strategies.From cutting-edge neuromodulation to low-cost wound gels saving lives, this conversation explores how innovation scales not by solving one condition in isolation—but by designing for complexity, translating solutions across adjacent neurological and aging populations, and creating sustainable pathways to market.Key highlights include:♿ Why integrating lived experience from day one leads to better innovation—and better outcomes🔄 How a “test bed” approach in SCI is accelerating breakthroughs for MS, stroke, Parkinson’s, aging and more⚙️ The surprising power of simple, scalable technologies—like a gel applied at the first sign of a pressure sore🧩 Why coachability in entrepreneurs may matter more than capital in medtech success🧠 Neuromodulation reversing effects of paralysis—and improving autonomic functions like temperature, bowel, and bladder control💬 How real-time, direct feedback from SCI users saved startups from costly mistakes📈 Why Praxis built a fund model that generates investor returns and channels profits back into the charity❤️ What it means to rethink innovation around dignity, identity, and human mobility—not just mobility of limbsMost profound takeaway“If technology can be used not only to make it acceptable, but to celebrate the different ways people walk and move through the world, that’s where innovation meets humanity.” — Arushi RainaResources & Links🌐 Praxis Spinal Cord Institute: PracticeInstitute.org 🔗 Connect with Arushi & John on LinkedIn 📧 General contact: info@practiceinstitute.org 💡 Learn more about the Karen Toffler Charitable Trust: tofflertrust.orgConnect with Research Renaissance💌 Subscribe for more thought-provoking interviews 🌐 Visit: tofflertrust.org 📲 Follow us on LinkedInTo learn more about the breakthroughs discussed in this episode and to support ongoing research, visit our website at tofflertrust.org. Technical Podcast Support by Jon Keur at Wayfare Recording Co.
