Project review process

We involve people with MS and world-class scientists to help us fund the best and most relevant research.

Funding research is an essential part of what we do. Our review process helps us fund the best possible MS research.

How it works

The MS Society invites researchers to submit applications for any type of research relevant to MS. These applications are then carefully reviewed by experts and people affected by MS.

The selection process for our research funding is independent and decisions are based on the views of world-class researchers and people affected by MS.

• Stage 1
• Stage 2
• Types of grant available
• Who can apply
• Why unsuccessful applications are confidential

Stage 1

All grant applications received undergo independent peer review by at least three researchers. Wherever possible, research applications will also be reviewed by people affected by MS through our award-winning Research Network.

Stage 2

Grant Review Panels evaluate the scientific merit and relevance to MS of all applications, taking into account the reviewer's comments and their own expertise. Grant Review Panels include experienced researchers and people affected by MS. 

Grant Review Panel 1 reviews biomedical research applications aimed at understanding the cause of MS or developing new treatments.

Grant Review Panel 2 reviews applications for care and services research aimed at improving symptom management, developing and evaluating new services for people affected by MS and understanding the impact of the condition. 

The Grant Review Panels then make recommendations to the Board of Trustees for a final funding decision.

To read more about how the MS Society involves people affected by MS in our research programme, please go to the Research Network. 

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Types of grant available

There are four different types of research grant awards available:

• Project Grants
• Innovative Awards
• PhD Studentships
• Junior Research Fellowships

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Who can apply

MS Society funded research grants can only be held by researchers from recognised NHS and UK academic institutions. The institutions are responsible for ensuring that the research is carried out to high standards and meets current ethical and governance requirements.

Collaborative applications with research groups outside of the UK are welcomed, but the research must be led by a UK-based researcher. Applicants for Junior Fellowships also need to be UK-based.

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Why unsuccessful applications are confidential

Charities and other funding bodies generally keep details of unsuccessful research applications confidential.

This is in order to help unsuccessful applicants to:

• Take feedback from expert reviewers and people with the condition on board
• Revise and improve their application
• Re-apply to the same organisation or to a different organisation in future

This process increases the chances that the research will be funded in future (either by the same organisation or a different funding body).

This is standard practice amongst medical charities and is in accordance with the Association for Medical Research Charities (AMRC) guidelines on funding research.

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