Funder: National Multiple Sclerosis Society
Due Dates: August 20, 2025 (Full Application) | Pre-application closed May 14, 2025
Funding Amounts: $600,000 total over five years (2 years postdoc + 3 years faculty support)
Summary: Supports advanced postdoctoral training and early faculty research for promising scientists committed to MS research.
Key Information: Pre-application approval is required before full application submission.
Description
This fellowship is designed to foster the development and productivity of early-career scientists with exceptional potential to contribute to multiple sclerosis (MS) research. The award provides substantial support for both advanced postdoctoral training and the transition to an independent faculty position, aiming to ensure a robust pipeline of MS researchers. The program targets postdoctoral trainees who have demonstrated commitment and promise in MS-related research, supporting their career progression and research independence.
Due Dates
- Pre-Application Deadline: May 14, 2025 (now closed)
- Pre-Application Notification: June 15, 2025
- Full Application Deadline: August 20, 2025, 5:00 p.m. EST
Applicants must have an approved pre-application to submit a full application.
Funding Amount
- Total Award: Approximately $600,000 over five years
- Years 1–2: Advanced postdoctoral training (stipend, institutional allowance, and limited research costs)
- Years 3–5: Research support in a new faculty appointment (default $125,000/year plus 10% indirect costs)
See the application checklist for detailed budget structure.
Eligibility
- Degree: Applicants must hold a doctoral degree (M.D., Ph.D., or equivalent).
- Current Position: Must be in a research-oriented postdoctoral training program at an academic, government, or non-profit research institution.
- Postdoctoral Experience: More than two years and no more than five years of postdoctoral research experience at the time of application.
- Clinically related training (e.g., medical residencies) does not count toward this limit.
- Citizenship/Location: Fellowship must be completed at a U.S. institution, or the applicant must be a U.S. citizen.
- Other: Affiliation with a non-profit institution is required.
Application Process
- Registration: Register for the MS Grants portal (https://nmss.fluxx.io). Allow at least one week before deadlines for account approval.
- Pre-Application: Complete and submit a pre-application, including:
- Eligibility quiz
- 3-page preliminary proposal (career goals, research project, relevance to MS)
- Mentor/co-mentor information and biosketches
- Reference letter requests
- Pre-Application Review: Society staff review and notify applicants by mid-June.
- Full Application: Invited applicants submit a full application, including:
- Detailed project information and narrative (up to 13 pages)
- Budget and justification
- Mentor’s training experience
- Institutional signatory approval
- Reference letters and supporting documents
- Submission: All sections must be complete and submitted via the MS Grants portal by the deadline. Institutional approval is required for most applications.
Detailed instructions:
Additional Information
- Indirect costs are not permitted during the postdoc phase (years 1–2); 10% indirect costs are allowed during the faculty phase (years 3–5).
- Annual and final progress reports are required.
- Applications missing required information or exceeding page limits will not be considered.
- Staff support is available Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Eastern Time.
External Links
Contact Information
For additional support, see the Society contact page.