Training Program and Networking Activities

MS Canada provides a variety of education, training and networking activities to enhance knowledge and skill in MS research, foster knowledge exchange, and establish valuable connections and collaborations amongst peers in the field. These programs include endMS Summer School, endMS Scholar Program for Researchers IN Training (SPRINT), and endMS Conference.

endMS National Training Program

endMS National Training Program Objectives

The endMS National Training Program (NTP) is an initiative of the endMS Research and Training Network aimed to enhance knowledge and skills relevant to MS research, foster opportunities to conduct MS research in Canada and increase the intent amongst trainees to pursue MS research for the long term. The program has two components: endMS Summer School and an endMS Scholar Program for Researchers IN Training (endMS SPRINT).

The Training Program was launched in September 2010 and in 2011 the program introduced endMS SPRINT, a year long program for graduate students and post-doctoral/clinical fellows who are keen to enhance their knowledge and skills in MS research. SPRINT is pursued as a supplement to the research conducted by the trainees at their institutions. Through innovative initiatives offering networking, career development, mentorship and interdisciplinary learning opportunities, SPRINT has already fostered collaboration among emerging and experienced researchers and strengthened the research community nationwide. To learn more about SPRINT click here

In 2011 the Training Program also began overseeing the administration and coordination of the annual week long endMS Summer School which brings together as many as 40 trainees from a variety of disciplines to learn about one central MS-related research theme which changes from year to year. To learn more about Summer School click here

The governance of the Training Program includes an Education and Training Committee which oversees the program’s governance structure, monitors, sets policies and provides advice on strategies to sustain the program. The NTP also includes review committees for the yearly SPRINT and Summer School competitions as well as a SPRINT Committee to provide guidance and support to the SPRINT mentors and trainees. An Education and Training Office is in place at the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre to provide the necessary support and resources for the NTP. Please click here to read a message from Dr. Christina Wolfson, the Director of the National Training Program and Ms. Anik Schoenfeldt, the Program Manager.

WEBINAR: The endMS National Training Program hosted an endMS SPRINT and Summer School information webinar to provide an overview of the program and the application process. Click here to view a copy of the presentation slides. 

December 2020 - Special Message from endMS Program Director: https://youtu.be/F_Mlo5GPtgA

endMS Summer School 

endMS Summer School is an annual one-week interactive education program that aims to enhance knowledge and skills in MS research among trainees. Each year, Summer School brings together close to 40 trainees from a variety of disciplines to learn about one central MS-related research theme and the focus alternates between basic one year and clinical and population health research the next. The program features lecture-based plenary sessions, facilitated workshops, and opportunities to interact with people affected by MS. Summer School involves an interdisciplinary agenda that strives to offer participants a more comprehensive understanding of MS.

Click here for more information about the endMS Summer School program and how to apply.

endMS SPRINT (Scholar Program for Researchers IN Training) 

endMS SPRINT (Scholar Program for Researchers IN Training) is a national training program designed for trainees at the Master’s, Doctoral, and Postdoctoral/Clinical Fellowship levels who are keen on enhancing knowledge and skill in MS research, taking part in interdisciplinary, collaborative research and establishing valuable connections amongst peers in the field. endMS SPRINT is pursued as a supplement to the research conducted by the trainees at their institutions. Trainees accepted in the program participate in two consecutive annual endMS Summer Schools including career development sessions as well as in active learning components that are pursued throughout the academic year (such as an interdisciplinary learning projects, and mentorship). The goal of the interdisciplinary learning projects is to provide trainees with the unique opportunity to expand their areas of research interest in a structured program under the supervision of a SPRINT mentor and in collaboration with one or more co-trainees from different disciplines.

Click here for more information about SPRINT and how to apply.

endMS Bits and Pieces Newsletter

Latest Edition:
2023 - March endMS Bits and Pieces Newsletter

Past Editions:
2023 - February endMS Bits and Pieces Newsletter
2023 - January endMS Bits and Pieces Newsletter
2022 - November endMS Bits and Pieces Newsletter
2022- September endMS Bits and Pieces Newsletter
2022 - July endMS Bits and Pieces Newsletter
2022 - May endMS Bits and Pieces Newsletter
2022 - March endMS Bits and Pieces Newsletter
2022 - February endMS Bits and Pieces Newsletter
2022 - January endMS Bits and Pieces Newsletter
2021 - September endMS Bits and Pieces Newsletter
2021 - June endMS Bits and Pieces Newsletter
2021 - May endMS Bits and Pieces Newsletter
2021 - April endMS Bits and Pieces Newsletter
2021 - March endMS Bits and Pieces Newsletter
2021 - February endMS Bits and Pieces Newsletter
2021 - January endMS Bits and Pieces Newsletter
2020 - December endMS Bits and Pieces Newsletter