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Research
Accelerating research that drives rehabilitation breakthroughs
With the expertise, connections and compassion to advance our fields and improve the lives of those we serve, the Center for Rehabilitation Science and Engineering (CERSE) is one of Virginia Commonwealth University’s premier research centers. We bring together dedicated researchers and lead innovative, interdisciplinary studies across multiple institutions, schools, departments, private organizations and government agencies. Subscribe to our monthly email newsletter to learn more about what is happening at CERSE. See archive below for past issues of CERSE Communications.
Our mission is to connect researchers and accelerate rehabilitation breakthroughs that empower people to overcome barriers and thrive.
Dedicated to improving the lives of those we serve, CERSE research helps people with:
CERSE delivers on its mission by providing the following methods of support:
CERSE connects researchers with resources they wouldn’t otherwise have access to. With our help, researchers can garner seed money, start-up funds, harvest funds and financial support for salaries, equipment and software. Check out our funding opportunity database that collates internal opportunites from across VCU, in addition to some local, external opportunities.
We also provide data management, statistical, writing, research coordination, grant application preparation and regulatory and compliance support.
Using our own research experience, we offer other researchers face-to-face consulting and mentoring with open-door advisory services and a constant connection to the CERSE team.
Our team guides emerging inventors and researchers with career development guidance through individual and group mentoring, workshops and seminars. Subject matter experts provide just-in-time consultation on study design, project implementation, problem-solving, biostatistics and grant application pre-submission reviews.
CERSE leaders reach across academic and professional silos to connect great minds. We are proud to serve as a liaison for interdisciplinary rehabilitation collaborations across VCU schools and departments, throughout the community and across the world.
Innovative health solutions from our diverse, dynamic consortia
The embodiment of CERSE's mission is our dedication to developing cutting-edge research that advances rehabilitation and improves lives.
CERSE currently supports eight research consortia:
In rehab science, collaboration leads to innovation and life changes.
By working together, CERSE’s interdisciplinary research consortia have received more than $30 million per year in grant and contract research sponsorship. And that number continues to grow.
Schools involved in this ongoing venture include:
We also maintain close relationships with the following Richmond-area facilities and organizations:
From its home base in Richmond, CERSE works closely with the VAMC, which leads research in the following areas:
Here, CERSE researchers seek to improve veterans’ health related to traumatic brain injury (TBI), spinal cord injury (SCI), pain, radiation oncology, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), addictions, movement disorders and aging.
We provide knowledge translation support and conduct clinical research for Sheltering Arms Institute, a new 114-bed facility in the West Creek Medical Park about 15 miles west of downtown Richmond.
Thanks to a generous gift from the Children’s Hospital Foundation, which funds and advocates for projects that improve that quality of life for children in Central Virginia, CERSE supports the advancement of pediatric TBI care, research and training at the Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU.
CERSE is changing lives, and we need your help to do it.
Interested in contributing to the long-term success of CERSE and its dedicated researchers? You can make your mark on the center today.Learn how you can make an impact
With cutting edge initiatives, CERSE accelerates research that makes tangible impacts on the people we serve.