Introduction
Canada remains at the forefront of MS research around the world. Through generous contributions from donors, corporate sponsors, and fervent fundraisers, MS Canada has invested over $218 million dollars in research since its inception in 1948. This investment has led to significant results for people affected by MS. More specifically, MS Canada funded studies have gone the distance in areas such as imaging, diagnosis, genetics, tissue repair, rehabilitation, and disease-modifying therapies. With each passing year research continues to reveal new knowledge around the cause of MS, as well as the mechanism by which MS impacts the central nervous system.
Although much progress has been made, many questions regarding MS remain unanswered. As a result, Canadian researchers with diverse scientific backgrounds and expertise are turning their attention to MS and working together to uncover important knowledge and develop treatments that will effectively manage symptoms and slow progression. To ensure that momentum in MS research continues, MS Canada administers an annual research competition that provides support for researchers whether they are in the early stages of graduate school or conducting research as independent investigator. Funding researchers across the academic and clinical spectrum enables education and training for the next generation of MS leaders, while reinforcing their passion for the field.
In addition to supporting research, MS Canada engages young researchers in education and training programs, mentorship initiatives, and networking opportunities which aim to stimulate interest in MS research and encourage collaboration amongst the future generation of MS experts.
The overarching goal of MS Canada is to invest in research that will provide the greatest benefit to individuals who are deeply affected by MS. Each year the organization is hopeful that its commitment to research will bring the MS community one step closer to finding a cure for this complex and often unpredictable disease.
Research We Fund
Each year MS Canada funds approximately $10 million in research to support studies that investigate all aspects of MS both biological and clinical. The MS Society also supports research and training programs which cultivates a network of bright young minds and engages them in activities that fine-tune their skills and knowledge in MS research.
Research Priorities
The history of MS Canada is deeply rooted in a number of individuals from different backgrounds and places who realized the need to learn more about the disease. It was the actions of Sylvia Lawry whose brother had been diagnosed with MS that set everything in motion with a simple advertisement in the New York Times. Her advertisement also attracted the attention of Dr. Colin Russel, a neurologist and Evelyn Opal and Harry Bell, both whom lived with MS. All three had different backgrounds but it was through their desire to know more about MS, that the MS Society of Canada was created.
To this day, the varying stakeholders who make up MS Canada — the person living with MS, the caregiver of their loved one with MS, the cyclist riding sixty kilometers for research, or the researcher trying to study the complexities of the disease — are all aiming for one thing: to further understand MS so that one day we can end MS.
Since 1948 MS Canada has contributed $218 million towards MS research. This investment of funding has enabled Canada to create a pipeline of exceptional MS researchers and has become a leading contributor to discovery in the field of MS.
However, significant questions remain unanswered with regard to the cause, prevention and cure of MS.
To aid MS Canada in mapping out research priorities for the next 10 years, a series of discussions took place across the country with the intent of understanding varying experiences and perspectives. Seven full-day live and interactive discussions were held, bringing together both the research community and people affected by MS. Two key questions were asked: What does MS research mean to you? What are your research priorities?
Opportunities for Researchers
Through its various funding opportunities, MS Canada is committed to supporting research that will lead to major advances in our understanding pertaining to the causes of, and potential treatments for, multiple sclerosis (MS).
MS Canada also supports research and training programs which cultivate a network of bright young minds and engages them in activities that fine-tune their skills and knowledge in MS research.
Grants & Funding
- Research Grants
- Targeted Competitions
- endMS Research and Training Network Awards and Programs