MS Research Australia is delighted to announce a further $1.5 million in research funding commencing in 2017.
The 17 new project grants, innovative pilot (incubator) grants, scholarships, fellowships and travel awards will run over the next one to three years. They bring the total number of ongoing investigator-led projects receiving MS Research Australia funding to 45.
Every year, MS Research Australia disburses over $3.5 million to investigator-led research projects and national collaborative research ‘platforms’. Dr Matthew Miles CEO of MS Research Australia said ‘This is only possible because of the ongoing support of our many dedicated donors and funding partners.’
The number and quality of applications we receive continues to grow every year, making the funding decisions exceptionally challenging. Sadly, there are many important projects that miss out on funding due to the limited funds available. This figure was $4 million in 2016.
However, our robust grant review procedures ensure that the funding we do have is allocated to the most rigorous science, with the greatest potential to make an impact for people affected by MS. We are constantly striving to grow the pool of funding available for research and in the coming years we expect to be able to continue to increase the number of projects that we support.
The new grants cover a range of scientific and allied health disciplines, investigating the many facets of MS biology, treatment and care. These include several exciting projects focusing on the top priority for the MS community – the search for cures via repair and regeneration of cells. These projects are led by an outstanding group of emerging MS research leaders and early career scientists who represent the very strong future for MS research in Australia.
The current climate for research funding in Australia makes it even more vital that MS Research Australia supports the established world leading Australian research groups, as well as retaining our young Australian researchers allowing them to build their careers on home soil focusing on MS. This funding includes support for emerging clinicians using their clinical expertise and knowledge to inform and develop the pathways of research. Importantly, several of the projects funded are taking fundamental research that was supported by MS Research Australia when the ideas were in their infancy and now seeing them translated into a clinical setting.
The Snapshot provides an overview of all new projects starting in 2017, view the Snapshot here.
