New Award Reinforces Commitment To Research, UK

Main Category: Multiple Sclerosis
Article Date: 02 Mar 2009 - 6:00 PDT

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Are you a postdoctoral researcher investigating a clinical or biomedical aspect of MS? Or does your research focus on the social or economic conditions of MS sufferers?

Would you like the opportunity to study at the leading US institution of your choice?

Thanks to a new awards initiative launched in conjunction with the educational exchange organisation the Fulbright Commission, the MS Society now offers a scheme which aims to develop the talent of some of Britain's most promising medical researchers.

Each year, one award is offered to a UK citizen in support of research into the clinical or biomedical aspects of MS, or the social or economic conditions of sufferers, at any accredited US institution, for a period of 12 months.

The Society has been recognised as the only charity in the country to offer such a scheme and Chief Executive Simon Gillespie said it was essential to maintain high quality MS research.

He said: "Our support for this scholarship recognises the MS Society's commitment to furthering vital research into the cause and effects of multiple sclerosis.

"Supporting expert researchers will help us discover new and effective treatments, along a path that will hopefully lead us to a cure."

The award is for the US dollar equivalent of £75,000 (converted using the prevailing rate), paid in installments directly to the grantee, the first of which is typically given just prior to departure from the UK.

This funding is intended as a contribution towards any institutional fees, travel to/from the US, and general maintenance costs whilst in the US. Limited sickness and accident benefit coverage, visa sponsorship and processing and participation in a number of Fulbright Scholar events are also included.

Applicants must draw up a detailed project outline and provide evidence that the intended host institution(s) will agree to act as host and supervisor. Successful applicants will then be invited for interviews and proposals must receive endorsement from the MS Society, which the Fulbright Commission will seek on behalf of successful applicants

The deadline for applications for the Fulbright Multiple Sclerosis Society Research Award is Sunday 31 may 2009

To find out more, see information on the award provided by the Fulbright Commission.

MS Society