The MS Society supports research in the field of MS by providing financial support. Through our application and review process we aim to fund the highest quality MS research, and to support the highest calibre researchers, in order to derive maximum benefit for people with MS.

Research we are currently funding

MS Society spring 2009 grant round

The MS Society spring 2009 grant round is now closed. 
 

The Process

Grant applications will be subject to external peer review and applied applications will also be reviewed by people affected by MS. The relevant Grant Review Panel will then evaluate the scientific merit and relevance to MS of all applications, in light of reviewers comments and their own expertise.

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

Applicants will be informed of the outcome of their application on 30 July 2009.

Grant administration process 2009 

Online research grant portal
 

Types of grants available

In 2009 there will be four different types of research grant awards available:

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

The Society no longer accepts applications for Senior Fellowship Awards, but encourages interested applicants to apply for the Medical Research Council/MS Society joint-funded Career Development Award. For more information or to apply please go to http://www.mrc.ac.uk 

Areas of research supported

The MS Society will consider any application that is relevant to MS. Applications will be based on scientific merit and relevance to MS. However, applications in the following themes are particularly encouraged.

• Mechanisms of nerve damage, repair and protection
• Evolving MS services
• Symptom relief

To find out more, read our Guidance for submission of grant applications V1.2 (121 kb)

 

Who can apply?

MS Society funded research grants can only be held by 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.

The Society often commissions research to inform its own policy or that of other organisations. This work is put out to tender by public advertisement. 

Overseas applicants

Due to limited research funds the MS Society is unable to fund research grant applications where the principal investigator is based outside of the UK. However, collaborative applications (with UK-based research groups) are encouraged and where there is genuine participation of research groups outside the UK, welcomed.

Applicants for Junior Fellowships need to be UK-based. 

Appeal procedures

All applications for research funding received by the MS Society undergo a rigorous review procedure. This includes external peer review and review by the relevant Grant Review Panel. In addition, the Society has introduced an iterative process into the grant round, to allow highly rated applications to be revised and resubmitted in light of reviewers’ comments. As such, the decision as to whether to award funding is final, and there is no right of appeal. 

MS Society Research Strategy

The MS Society’s Research strategy is embedded in the Society’s overall strategy for the next five years, 2008 to 2012.