National MS Society: Postdoctoral Fellowships: U.S. Institutions Grant

National MS Society: Postdoctoral Fellowships: U.S. Institutions Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: National Multiple Sclerosis Society
Last Updated: June 27, 2025

Summary

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society offers Postdoctoral Fellowships to support innovative research aimed at advancing the understanding and treatment of multiple sclerosis. These fellowships are designed for promising researchers holding advanced degrees, providing funding for training that enhances their ability to conduct impactful studies. The Society prioritizes applications that align with high-priority research questions outlined in its Pathways to Cures Roadmap, emphasizing the importance of diverse methodologies and engagement with underserved populations.

Overview

NOTE: See page for applicants from Non-U.S. Institutions here. National Multiple Sclerosis Society The National Multiple Sclerosis Society is bringing the world together to cure MS for every single person — as fast as possible. The Pathways to Cures Roadmap will drive progress by increasing alignment and focus of global resources on high-priority research questions. Our research awards align with the three Pathways outlined in the Roadmap: STOPPING MSRESTORING functionENDING MS by prevention MS research is a high priority for the Society, and we strategically invest in research worldwide to drive solutions for every single person with MS. Applicants must clearly state the relevance of their proposals to at least one of the research questions outlined in the Roadmap. The Society supports all types of research including laboratory models, human studies, population-based approaches, and data-intensive investigations that leverage both researcher and patient-reported outcomes. We value studies that: promote synergies between researchers in diverse disciplines;adhere to principles of sharing data and resources;focus on underserved and understudied ethnic and racial MS populations (Please consult this toolkit for strategies regarding Minority Engagement in MS Research). Postdoctoral Fellowships The Society supports fundamental as well as applied studies, non-clinical or clinical in nature, including projects in patient management, care and rehabilitation. To be considered for funding, all projects must show relevance to the Society’s research priorities. The Society offers postdoctoral fellowship grants to unusually promising recipients of M.D., Ph.D. or equivalent degrees when it appears that the program of training to be supported by the grant will enhance the likelihood that the trainee will: perform meaningful and independent research relevant to multiple sclerosis in the future, and obtain a suitable position that will enable them to do so. This fellowship program is primarily for stipend support. The proposed postdoctoral program should emphasize opportunities for new research training and broadening scientific competence of the applicant. Fellowship support will not be provided for more than three years.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Previous Training: Applicants with 0-36 months of previous postdoctoral training at the time of the application submission deadline may apply for this award. Applicants must hold, or be candidates for, an M.D., Ph.D. or equivalent degree; however, it is expected that doctoral candidates will have completed their degree before the anticipated award start date. A fellowship will not be activated for a doctoral candidate until the Society has received written notification from a university or professional school that an appropriate doctoral degree has been awarded.The Society will consider applications from individuals with more than 36 months experience on a case-by-case basis. Individuals seeking such consideration should contact the SocietyCitizenship: U.S. citizenship is not required for applicants who desire training in institutions in the United States.However, applicants who plan training in other countries must be U.S. citizens. Applicants may submit dual applications to governmental granting agencies and other non-profit funding agencies.Mentor and Institution: It is the responsibility of the applicant to make all arrangements for the proposed training with an appropriate mentor and institution, prior to formal application.

Ineligibility

Postdoctoral Fellowship Awards are not made to applicants seeking continuing support for the completion of an on-going research project or to those in a training program leading to a degree.Postdoctoral fellowships are awarded to support training in research and are not intended to support clinical training directed toward the completion of internship and/or specialty board certification or as a substitute for funding the conduct of research ordinarily provided by research grants. Similarly, postdoctoral fellowships cannot be used to provide support for individuals whose primary responsibility is teaching and/or service, although fellows are allowed to spend up to ten percent of their time in teaching or clinical duties, if appropriate.