Issue Injury research underfunding and limited translation of findings limits development of new technological solutions.

Description of solution The US National Science Foundation (NSF) developed industry-university-government cooperative research centres (I/UCRCs) to provide a mechanism for filling gaps in pre-commercial research and development (R&D). This presentation describes the 10-year experience of the Centre for Child Injury Prevention Studies, a NSF I/UCRC.

Results Since 2005, each CChIPS sponsoring company or agency contributed an average of $50,000 annually and provided strategic direction. A NSF evaluator provided oversight. In 2014, sponsor fees from 22 organisations totaled $850,000, up from $300,000 in 2005. Over 10 years, more than 100 CChIPS studies were funded; findings translated into new products, regulations, policies and programs; and students trained in injury science.

Conclusions An industry/government/university cooperative research centre model provides a robust and sustainable mechanism for filling gaps in the scientific foundation for injury research.