Stem Cell Network and MS Canada partner to launch National Fellowship Program in Multiple Sclerosis

June 19, 2023 (Ottawa/Toronto) Canada’s Stem Cell Network and MS Canada are pleased to announce the Stem Cell Network – MS Canada Postdoctoral Fellowship in Regenerative Medicine for Multiple Sclerosis, a new opportunity for high-caliber postdoctoral scientists to pursue stem cell and regenerative medicine research with the goal of advancing our understanding of multiple sclerosis (MS) and developing new therapies and treatments for the disease.

MS is a chronic autoimmune disease of the central nervous system, which includes the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerve.  MS can affect vision, memory, balance, and mobility and may cause symptoms such as extreme fatigue, lack of coordination, tingling, bladder problems, cognitive impairment and mood changes. Its effects can be physical, emotional, and financial. Currently there is no cure.

Canada has one of the highest rates of multiple sclerosis in the world, with an estimated 90,000 Canadians living with the disease. Most people are diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 49 and the unpredictable effects of the disease will last for the rest of their lives.

The new Stem Cell Network – MS Canada Postdoctoral Fellowship in Regenerative Medicine for Multiple Sclerosis aims to build promising postdoctoral researcher talent to help accelerate and enhance Canada’s global leadership in multiple sclerosis research, stem cell science, and regenerative medicine.

With the application process officially launching on June 19, 2023, the program is anticipated to run for two years, commencing by March 1, 2024, and ending by March 1, 2026. The value of the award is $100,000 ($50,000 per year for two years). Stem Cell Network (SCN) will also provide the Fellow with a registration and travel support to attend SCN’s annual scientific meeting, the Till & McCulloch Meetings (TMM), at least once during the award term.

Anticipated timeline:

  • Launch of request for applications: June 19, 2023
  • Application deadline: August 15, 2023, at 17:00 ET
  • Notice of decision: October 2023
  • Funding start date: January 1, 2024 (award must be started on or before March 1, 2024)

Quotes

“Through innovative stem cell technology, SCN’s research community has been working avidly to better understand and better treat neurological conditions including multiple sclerosis. From developing new models to study the disease and test potential therapies, to finding avenues for the brain to repair itself, our researchers are leading the charge to reduce the impact of this debilitating disease. SCN is excited to work with MS Canada, a valued partner in this initiative.”

- Cate Murray, President and CEO, Stem Cell Network

“We are proud to partner with the Stem Cell Network on this postdoctoral fellowship to develop the next generation of scientists in stem cell and regenerative medicine in MS. Research through this program provides hope for people affected by MS today and tomorrow. It will accelerate research and expertise in this area that can lead to improved treatments for MS that stop or reverse the effects of the disease.”

-Dr. Pamela Valentine, President and CEO, MS Canada

Contact

For more details on the Fellowship Program, please contact: Pamela Kanellis, Assistant VP, Research, MS Canada at pamela.kanellis@mscanada.ca or Ellie Arnold, Training Specialist, Stem Cell Network at earnold@stemcellnetwork.ca.

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About the Stem Cell Network: The Stem Cell Network (SCN) is a Canadian not-for-profit that supports stem cell and regenerative medicine research; training the next generation of highly qualified personnel; and knowledge mobilization and transfer of stem cell and regenerative medicine research. From the lab to the clinic, SCN’s goal is to power life-saving therapies and technologies through regenerative medicine research for the benefit of all. Created in 2001, with support from the Government of Canada, the Network has grown from a few dozen labs to more than 270 world-class research groups, supporting over 250 research projects and 30 clinical trials. Since its inception, over 25 biotech companies have been catalyzed or enhanced and more than 6,400 highly qualified personnel have been trained. In 2021, the Government of Canada demonstrated its continuing trust and support in SCN with an investment of $45 million for the 2022–2025 period.

About MS Canada:

MS Canada fosters meaningful connections both within the MS community, and between the MS community and research, programs, resources, and services. As of 2023, MS Canada amalgamates two previously known entities, the MS Society of Canada and the MS Scientific Research Foundation, continuing its work toward the same vision of a world free of multiple sclerosis. The MS community is at the centre of MS Canada. For 75 years we have been relentless in our fight, continuously funding research to expand the current MS knowledge base. We also advocate for people living with MS, asking the government to remove barriers and improve policies that impact their everyday lives. 

For more information visit mscanada.ca