The Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada
has funded medical research into multiple sclerosis since the
first grant of $10,000 was approved in 1949. It is now, along
with its related MS Scientific Research Foundation, the single
largest funder of MS research in Canada. Of the research projects
currently funded, about half are targeted at myelin biology
and repair. Particular attention is focussed on finding ways
to stimulate central nervous system cells to produce new myelin.
Other significant areas of MS research are genetic susceptibility,
immunology, MRI studies, Clinical and Population Health Research
and treatment effects. The MS Society also funds young researchers
just beginning careers at the masters, doctoral and postdoctoral
levels.
We are pleased to announce the launch of our new online application system. Please visit https://www.mscanadagrants.ca to submit an application. Refer to the MSSC online application guidelines for detailed explanations of the online application process.
In addition, the MS
Scientific Research Foundation funds extensive
studies of bone marrow transplantation, myelin gene regulation,
genetic susceptibility to MS, and myelin repair. It also
funds Research Grants. The Foundation is related
to the MS Society, its primary funding source.
Three volunteer scientific committees oversee
the MS Society of Canada research program. The Medical Advisory Committee provides
expert advice about the existing program, looks at future
directions in MS research,
recommends ways that the Society can meet research needs
and oversees the grant review process. It makes the final
recommendation
on projects to be funded to the National Executive Committee
of the MS Society of Canada National Board of Directors.
The Biomedical Research Grants Review Committee is responsible for
reviewing all grant applications involving research seeking
to find ways to prevent, develop treatments and ultimately
cure multiple sclerosis. Areas of research include myelin
repair and regrowth, the immune system and advanced uses
of MRI. The committee meets in late January and reviews
each application with the assistance of both internal and
external expert peer reviewers. Their recommendations go
to the Medical Advisory Committee for overall review.
The Clinical
and Population Health Research Grants Review Committee reviews
grant applications related to broader health issues that
impact people living with MS. By researching psychosocial
and behavioural aspects of the disease, investigators gain
information that can help people live well with MS. Overall
determinants of health and economics are also studied.
In late January, the committee carefully reviews each application
with the help of internal and external expert peer reviewers.
Their recommendations go to the Medical Advisory Committee
for overall review.
Dr. Virender Bhan, Halifax, Nova Scotia
Dr. Joan Boggs, Toronto, Ontario
Dr. Samuel David, Montreal, Quebec
Dr. Anthony Feinstein, Toronto, Ontario
Dr. Mark S. Freedman, Ottawa, Ontario
Dr. Rashmi Kothary, Ottawa, Ontario
Dr. Luanne Metz, Calgary, Alberta
Dr. Trevor Owens, Denmark
Dr. Christina Wolfson, Montreal, Quebec
Dr. John Richert, National MS Society Liaison (USA)
Dr. Jack P. Antel, Montreal, Quebec (ex-officio) Dr. Paul O'Connor, Scientific and Clinical Advisor
(ex-officio)
Dr. Steffany Bennett, Ottawa, Ontario
Dr. Jodie Burton, Calgary, Alberta
Dr. Holly Colognato, New York, USA
Dr. Paula Foster, London, Ontario
Dr. Jennifer Gommerman, Toronto, Ontario
Dr. Frank Jirik, Calgary, Alberta
Dr. Steve Lacroix, Ste-Foy, Quebec
Dr. Wendy Macklin, Denver, USA
Dr. Alexandre Prat, Montreal, Quebec
Dr. Valerie Wallace, Ottawa, Ontario
Dr. Wee Yong, Calgary, Alberta
Dr. John Richert, National MS Society Liaison (USA)
Dr. Paul O'Connor, Scientific and Clinical Advisor (ex-officio)
Clinical and Population Health Research Grants
Review Committee
Chair
Dr. Christina Wolfson,
Montreal, Quebec
Members
Dr. Pierre Duquette, Montreal, Quebec
Dr. Anthony Feinstein, Toronto, Ontario
Dr. Luanne Metz, Calgary, Alberta
Dr. Sharon Warren, Edmonton, Alberta
Dr. John Richert, National MS Society Liaison (USA)
Dr. Paul O'Connor, Scientific and Clinical Advisor
(ex-officio)
