The AbilityLab specializes in rehabilitation for adults and children with the most severe, complex conditions ranging from traumatic brain and spinal cord injury to stroke, amputation and cancer-related impairment.

In 1967, RIC formed an academic affiliation with Northwestern University, establishing a residency program in physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R), and soon thereafter appointed its first Chief Scientist.

Discoveries and innovations include: The Biologics Research Lab at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, founded by Dr. Richard L. Lieber, Chief Scientific Officer and Senior Vice President of Research, focuses on developing biological approaches to treat various neuromuscular diseases, including spinal cord injuries, peripheral nerve injuries, muscle disorders, and conditions like cerebral palsy and cancer.

This setup enables the exploration of mechanisms underlying injury and recovery and supports the development of novel therapeutic strategies, such as advanced biomaterials and nerve stimulators.

Led by a diverse team of Principal Investigators (PIs), the lab integrates expertise in tissue engineering, neurophysiology, biomechanics, and regenerative medicine, fostering a collaborative environment that bridges basic science and clinical applications.

Scientists have worked with more than two dozen industrial wearable robotics collaborators, including Ottobock, Honda, Össur, Ekso Bionics, ReWalk Robotics, Parker Hannifin, Hocoma, B-Temia Inc and Samsung to create pathways and practice guidelines for the use of technologies for individuals with conditions including stroke, spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis and cerebral palsy.

[citation needed] It also conducts outcomes-based research using advanced wearable sensors[13] in addition to traditional performance-based and patient-reported measures Shirley Ryan AbilityLab also serves as a clinical partner of Northwestern University's McCormick School of Engineering, and the academic home of Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (PM&R) Department.