MS Societies In UK And Australia Provide International Research Opportunities

Main Category: Multiple Sclerosis
Article Date: 27 Feb 2008 - 5:00 PDT

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Worldwide collaborative links between researchers investigating the debilitating neurological condition multiple sclerosis (MS) have been strengthened thanks to the introduction of the first UK and Australian Fellowship Exchange programme.

The initiative cements the relationship between the UK MS Society and international scientists researching MS and will give a senior Australian or UK researcher the chance to undertake full-time oversees MS research and training for up to three years.

The Fellowship is supported by the financial service provider Macquarie Group Foundation and has been set up to specifically enhance UK and Australian collaboration in MS research, in conjunction with the national charity MS Research Australia.

Dr Lee Dunster, Head of Research and Information at the MS Society, said: "More than 2.5million people are living with MS around the world and there is some suggestion this number is rising.

"It is clear that no one scientist or laboratory will alone discover MS prevention or effective therapies and by offering such research opportunities, the UK MS Society and MS Research Australia are helping to link world-class knowledge for the benefit of people living with MS."

The Fellowship Award will open in 2009 and will offer Postdoctoral Training and the chance to work in leading laboratories with funding of up to AU$108,000 or £50,000 a year for three years full time.

The new initiative backs a new five-year strategy for the MS Society, which aims to further build on collaborative research that already exists with organisations in both Australia and America.

This year the MS Society will spend £5.62million on research projects, strengthening its position as a leading contributor and raising the profile of MS research in the UK.

Applications close on 30 May 2008 and the Fellowship will commence in late 2008 or early 2009.

Multiple Sclerosis Society