Today, we are announcing over $4.5 million in new funding for 17 investigator-led grants across the country. These grants will allow us to answer questions about causes and prevention, how MS can be managed better as well as working towards a cure. This significant investment will propel us closer to our aim of ending MS. I strongly encourage you to look at the grants we are funding here.
There is a diverse array of projects funded by these grants, from the role of gene profiles in progressive MS, treatments for better sleep, and ways to tailor diet and lifestyle changes for people living with MS, through to the complexities of immune cells in MS and harnessing new technologies such as AI for MS management.
The awarding of the grants is the culmination of extensive effort behind the scenes by our hard-working team. The process we follow ensures that high-quality MS research is funded.
The process starts with scientists and clinicians interested in conducting MS research being invited to submit their applications. These applications include comprehensive details about their research plan and how it can benefit people with MS.
Following this, at least two to three referees, usually international experts, are approached to provide an independent review and rating for each project. These referees are subject matter experts in the specific area of the application and will have an academic track record on the topic.
Applications are rated on factors such as relevance to MS and the potential benefits and outcomes for people with MS. The applications are also specifically assessed on the novelty and strength of the research plan, the involvement of people living with MS in the research design, feasibility, strength of the research team and their ability to conduct the project through to completion. These comments are then sent back to the applicants so that they can respond.
To make the final recommendation on which grants should be funded, MS Australia’s Research Management Council meets towards the end of the year. This is a multidisciplinary team of scientists, clinicians and consumers with significant experience in MS research. The recommendations are then reviewed by MS Australia’s Research Strategy Board Subcommittee for endorsement before being sent to MS Australia’s Board for final approval.
The grant process is conducted with total integrity, is modelled on the most stringent grant review systems worldwide and aligns with the government’s National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) review process. MS Australia grants are classified as Category 1 – the highest level of grant award systems as recognised by the Australian Government Department of Education.
A huge thank you to all who have made investment in MS research possible. From our donors and fundraisers, those who have left gifts in Wills, the businesses that back our work, and all of you who are living with MS, your families, friends, carers, and supporters, we say thank you. Because of you, we can fund Australia’s incredible and globally respected MS research teams.
I also want to pay tribute to both our Board for its determination to accelerate MS research, and to the entire team at MS Australia and all members of the Research Management Council.
