In this episode, Michelle and Ben focus on the No 5 priority, defining the biological basis of DCM. Surgeon and scientist Mark Kotter explores how degenerative pathology translates to clinical symptomatology. Ellen Sarewitz, who lives with DCM, uses her medical communications background to pinpoint knowledge gaps and endorse multi-stakeholder solutions. Scientist James Fawcett encourages synergy between the traumatic and non-traumatic spinal cord injury research communities to inspire preclinical studies and accelerate clinical trials in DCM.