The Northwestern University Prosthetics Research Program (NUPRL) and Rehabilitation Engineering Research Program (RERP) is located on the 14th floor of the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, a major comprehensive rehabilitation hospital.  This facility is directly across the street from the Lakeside Division of the Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, which is also a part of the Northwestern McGaw Medical Center. Although not administratively connected with the RIC, we interact closely with it, particularly with the Departments of Prosthetic-Orthotic Clinical Services, Rehabilitation Engineering Clinical Services, Occupational Therapy, and Physical Therapy. Our research laboratories are integrated with the Prosthetic-Orthotic Education Program of Northwestern University (NUPOC). Research funding for NUPRL & RERP is provided by the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR), the Department of Veteran’s Affairs, and the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The goal of our research is to improve the quality of life for persons who use prostheses (limb replacements) and orthoses (assistive systems) through creative applications of science and engineering to the P&O field.

Training and education in P&O are unique at NUPRL & RERP where clinical facilities, education facilities, and research facilities are united within one hospital setting. The NUPRL & RERP is involved with education and training opportunities through two formal programs of higher education: the Biomedical Engineering (BME) Department at Northwestern University (NU), and the Northwestern University Prosthetic-Orthotic Center (NUPOC).  Graduate students working on their M.S. and Ph.D. degree contribute significantly to our research and development effort.