What is the Community Representative Program?
We support research that aims to improve the health and quality of life of people affected by multiple sclerosis (MS) and MS allied conditions. We’re empowered to provide research funding through grants and awards for researchers and trainees.
As part of our research review process, we seek the necessary scientific expertise required to review applications that are submitted to our research funding programs. In 2012, we launched the Community Representative program to involve people in the MS community in the review process. This way we’re able to provide a voice for people affected by MS and allow them to meaningfully inform research priorities and the allocation of fundraising dollars on impactful research.
Scientific reviewers and Community Representatives can serve in any one of these review committees:
- Biomedical Research Review Committee
- Clinical and Population Health Research Review Committee
- endMS Personnel Awards Review Committee
To learn more about the research review process, visit our Review Process and Criteria page.
What are the responsibilities of Community Representatives?
- Become familiar with our research funding programs.
- Participate in an orientation session on the research review process via an online webinar.
- Provide a brief biography and photograph that will be posted on our website.
- Review and score the plain language sections of research applications based on a set of review criteria provided.
- Attend a review meeting in January or February. Depending on the review committee you are selected to join, you may need to attend a one-day or two-day meeting. All community representatives must be willing to attend the two-day meeting and be able to take time off work and other responsibilities.
- The meeting will either be held in-person in Toronto, Canada or held virtually. Travel may require additional time around the meeting dates.
- Comfort in sharing your perspective and comments for each application with members of the review committee.
- Willingness to share your experiences as a Community Representative with us after the review.
- Commit to a minimum of one year of service with potential to be re-engaged for additional years.
Note: All travel and accommodation costs associated with participation in the research review process will be covered or reimbursed in accordance with our policies.
What are the requirements to apply?
- A confirmed diagnosis of MS, CIS or NMOSD, or a close relationship with someone with MS, CIS or NMOSD.
- Demonstrate a meaningful understanding of the impact of MS on day-to-day living.
- Interested in the outcomes and impact of MS research.
- Actively engaged in the MS community.
- Experience with taking on leadership roles and/or participating in panels or committees.
- Fluent in English (French an asset, but not required). Please note that although applications are accepted in both English and French, the review committee meeting will be conducted in English.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills with ability to voice opinions and perspectives on lived experience in discussions with health professionals, researchers and scientists.
- Proficient knowledge of computer applications and willingness to learn and access new software (this will be important when accessing applications and entering comments).
- Access to a computer or tablet and reliable internet during the review meeting.
How do I apply?
The Community Representative Program is launched every two years. Applications will open in Spring 2025.
- Please click here to access the application through ProposalCentral.
- Find instructions on how to apply here. Click here for a video module (transcript) on navigating the ProposalCentral application form.
- If a PDF of the application is required, please contact msgrants@mscanada.ca
- If a French application is required, please contact msgrants@mscanada.ca
**Applications are now CLOSED**
All applications will be reviewed by a panel of our staff. Community Representatives will be selected based on how well they meet the requirements listed above. We also aim to select a diverse group of Community Representatives that reflects the MS community in Canada.