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 Research grants 2008

The MS Society is pleased to announce two grant rounds in 2008
(spring & autumn).


The total research budget for 2008 is approximately £5.6 million.

The 2008 grant round is now closed. We will be inviting applications for the 2009 spring grant round early next year. Please note that the 2009 grant rounds will be adminstered using our forthcoming online grants system. The Society will not be accepting paper submissions.

2008 Grant Submission Timetable

 

Funding strands in 2008

Research grant applications may be submitted to any of the Society's funding streams:

• Themed strand
• Open strand
• Evolving MS Services Research strand

In line with the Society's research strategy, funding is expected, in the main, to be prioritised for the two key areas of research identified within the themed strand.

Further information on funding in 2008

 

The Process

Please note in 2008 the MS Society will not be inviting Outline Proposals.

Prospective applicants are invited to submit a full proposal to the MS Society spring and/or autumn grant rounds. Please note the deadlines for submission. Any applications received after the deadlines will not be considered, and in the case of the spring round would need to be resubmitted by the applicant for consideration in the autumn round.

All applications will be subject to external peer review.

Applicants who have submitted proposals judged to be of high scientific merit and relevance to MS, but where the relevant Grant review Panel has judged changes would improve the submission, will be invited to amend and resubmit their application within the relevant round.

Grant administration process 2008  

Types of grants available

In 2008 there will be five different types of research grant awards available:

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

Please note that Junior and Senior Fellowships have been reinstated for 2008.

These awards will be made to researchers at a UK-based institution only.
 

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 and Senior 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. Further information is available here:

MS Society strategy 2008 to 2012 

Request an application

Email the MS Society Research team

Please state which application pack you require:

Award type:

Evolving MS Services
Innovative Award (1 year)
PhD Studentship
Project grant
Junior Research Fellowship
Senior Research Fellowship

Further information:

Types of Award Available