Professor Geoffrey Raisman FRS is a world-class British neuroscientist. He is a pioneer in the field of spinal injuries and has received funding from the NSIF.

Good morning Professor. Can you tell us how you made your mark in neuroscience?
It was when I was a researcher in my 20s. I was able to demonstrate that the brain and the central nervous systems have the capacity to reorganise themselves following trauma. It is a phenomenon I called ‘plasticity’.

I understand that your research was revolutionary at the time. Can you explain why?
At that time, it challenged one of the main elements of neuroscience, It was believed that when neuronal connections in the spinal cord are lost (by trauma), scar tissue forms where the break happened and the affected neurons die. It was believed the damage was irreparable.

How would you describe spinal injury?
I like to compare it to a motorway where the surface of the road has been damaged. The drivers, the nerve fibres, still remember where they are meant to be going. The cars are all in good order, what we need to do is rebuild the pathway.

And your research is helping you do this?
We have already found that stem cells lining the nose have the ability to regenerate throughout life. Our aim is to harness this ability to graft them into damaged spinal areas. We believe that the nasal cells can allow regeneration of severed nerve fibres in any part of the brain – and essentially rebuild the missing pathway.

How do you fund your research?
Everything comes from my efforts with charities and benevolent donors.

Thank you for your time, Professor. We wish you the best of luck with your on-going research.
Thank you.

Like to know more about Professor Raisman’s research? Read up on the details in this 2006 Nature article written by Professor Raisman introducing his research.