Dr. Brian Kwon Appointed as the Director of the International Collaboration On Repair Discoveries (ICORD)

May 15, 2024

We are thrilled to share that UBC Orthopaedics Professor, Dr. Brian Kwon, has been appointed as the Director of the International Collaboration On Repair Discoveries (ICORD), effective July 1, 2024, for a five-year term.

Dr. Kwon stands as a distinguished leader in the field of spinal cord injury (SCI) and spine trauma, renowned globally for his groundbreaking research.   As the Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in Spinal Cord Injury and Dvorak Chair in Spine Trauma, his pioneering work in translational research has resulted in over 300 peer-reviewed publications and garnered substantial support from esteemed funding agencies worldwide, including a $48 million grant from the US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency and a $24 million Transformation Grant from the New Frontiers in Research Fund. Dr. Kwon’s remarkable contributions to the SCI field have earned him numerous accolades, notably including the inaugural $1 million Visionary Prize from the Craig H. Neilsen Foundation.

In his capacity as Director, Dr. Kwon will lead ICORD in advancing research and training initiatives focused on the development and application of strategies to enhance the lives of individuals affected by spinal cord injuries. His visionary leadership and expertise will drive ICORD to foster interdisciplinary collaborations, leverage state-of-the-art technologies, and achieve significant research breakthroughs for those living with SCI.

Please join us in congratulating Dr. Kwon on his appointment and expressing confidence in his ability to lead ICORD to new heights of excellence.

Dr. Brian Kwon, Professor & Director, ICORD

“Having dedicated my academic career to spinal cord injury as a spine surgeon and neuroscientist, I am excited to take on this role to lead ICORD forward into the future. The Center is filled with outstanding and extremely committed researchers, clinicians, staff, and trainees, and it is a great honour to be part of this collective effort to improve the lives of those who have suffered a spinal cord injury.”

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