The World Federation for Neurorehabilitation (WFNR) is a multidisciplinary organization with a mission to raise awareness of neurorehabilitation, provide training and education, encourage research and collaboration, and provide a forum for all professionals interested in neurorehabilitation across the world.
WFNR was established in 1996 in Newcastle upon Tyne in the UK and is currently celebrating its Silver Jubilee.
In addition to over 5,000 members and 37 Special Interest Groups (SIGs), the WFNR is now affiliated to 41 National Societies of Neurorehabilitation in various countries.
WFNR holds a biennial World Congress for Neurorehabilitation (WCNR) that rotates around the continents. The next WCNR will be held in Vienna, Austria, December 14–17, 2022, www.wcnr-congress.org. This will be followed by the 13th World Congress in Vancouver, Canada in 2024.
Education and research are key drivers of the organization. It has a unique and successful program, the Flying Faculty, where experts travel to low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) to provide educational programs and hands-on clinical training. The Education Committee provides input to the WCNR and hosts training courses and webinars on clinical and research topics. The Research Committee hosts webinars, produces a regular research bulletin, and has a focus on educating junior investigators.
Special Interest Groups (SIGs) constitute an important part of the WFNR. SIGs promote the development of their specific area of interest within the general aims of WFNR. There are currently 37 SIGs, working across different disciplines. The most recently formed SIG is Young WFNR. Eligibility is not restricted to biological age but is available to all physicians, therapists, and researchers who are in the early stages of their career for whatever reason. In addition to the formation of this SIG, a mentorship program is being created.
The WFNR Franz Gerstenbrand Award for 2022, worth £3000 to the winner, is open for entries from clinicians, researchers, or allied health professionals currently working in neurorehabilitation, particularly individuals under the age of 35 years. For further information and an application form, visit here.
A Silver Jubilee series of webinars is underway, and there is a separate series of research webinars produced by the WFNR Research Committee. Access to all webinars is free of charge, and they can be viewed after the event.
Neurorehabilitation & Neural Repair is the official journal of WFNR, and free online access is available to all members as part of their membership package.
The demand for neurorehabilitation services worldwide is overwhelming, especially in LMICs. The WFNR is proud to participle in coordinated international advocacy for neurorehabilitation. This includes providing input to the WHO and other key organizations.
The WFNR remains a dynamic multidisciplinary organization whose goal is to promote high quality rehabilitation worldwide. Neurorehabilitation has an exciting future. There are many advances on the horizon, including the use of brain-computer interfaces, virtual and augmented reality, and better biomarkers, to name a few. The WFNR will continue to play a major role as a “translational hub” educating members about new science and technology.