Pilot Research

Funding Programs

Pilot Research

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society provides funds for limited short-term support of research in areas where preliminary data are scant or nonexistent. This program is designed to support unique or novel ideas with the potential to open significant new areas of research on multiple sclerosis. Projects that are simply extensions of on-going research or that already have ample supporting data will not be considered.

For more information, please contact:

Patricia O’Looney, PhD
Vice President of Biomedical Research
(212) 476-0413
patricia.olooney@nmss.org

Application Procedure
Application forms are available from the Research & Clinical Programs Department of the Society. The forms are brief, with the project description strictly limited to two pages. Applications may be submitted at any time during the year, and they are peer-reviewed in an expedited manner.

Eligibility
Investigators at established research institutions may apply to this program. It is expected that the person indicated as the principal investigator in an application for a grant is the one who is personally and actively responsible for the conduct of the research and who is considered eligible by his or her institution to apply for a research grant. The principal investigator need not be a United States citizen. Applications for Pilot Research Projects under the direction of, or that request stipends for, postdoctoral fellows or for graduate students will not be accepted. Pilot awards must not be used to support dissertation work for a graduate student. Postdoctoral fellows are encouraged to apply for one of the Society's programs of research training.