The National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS) is a
nonprofit organization
A nonprofit organization (NPO) or non-profit organisation, also known as a non-business entity, not-for-profit organization, or nonprofit institution, is a legal entity organized and operated for a collective, public or social benefit, in co ...
that was founded in
New York City
New York, often called New York City or NYC, is the List of United States cities by population, most populous city in the United States. With a 2020 population of 8,804,190 distributed over , New York City is also the L ...
as the Association for Advancement of Research on Multiple Sclerosis on March 11, 1946 by Sylvia Lawry.
Ms. Lawry was a lawyer looking for a cure for her brother, Bernard, who was afflicted with multiple sclerosis when she realized there is no foundation or organization that helps people with MS, so she founded NMSS.
With chapters throughout the
United States
The United States of America (U.S.A. or USA), commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country primarily located in North America. It consists of 50 states, a federal district, five major unincorporated territorie ...
, the organization funds research, advocates for social and political change, provides education, and sponsors services that help people with
multiple sclerosis
Multiple (cerebral) sclerosis (MS), also known as encephalomyelitis disseminata or disseminated sclerosis, is the most common demyelinating disease, in which the insulating covers of nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord are damaged. This d ...
and their families. In 2016,
Forbes
''Forbes'' () is an American business magazine owned by Integrated Whale Media Investments and the Forbes family. Published eight times a year, it features articles on finance, industry, investing, and marketing topics. ''Forbes'' also re ...
ranked the organization 63rd among the 100 largest U.S. charities. In 2017,
Charity Navigator gave the organization three out of four stars.
Research
The NMSS supports and funds research activities in early research, translational research that develops laboratory results into treatments, and
clinical trial
Clinical trials are prospective biomedical or behavioral research studies on human participants designed to answer specific questions about biomedical or behavioral interventions, including new treatments (such as novel vaccines, drugs, diet ...
s to find out whether they are effective in treating MS. In 2012, the Society invested $44 million in more than 350 new and ongoing projects.
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Throughout two two-day meetings in 2014–2015 the NMSS developed the Wellness Research Working Group and wellness research priorities. The Research Wellness Group provides information regarding self-directed approaches for disease management to people diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.
Research rewards consist of several types of contributions to researchers in early to late stages of their careers. The following is a list of awards distributed by NMSS to researchers in 2017.
Research funding and grant programs
Career Transition Fellowship
The Career Transition Fellowship program sponsors postdoctoral training and research funding for scientists who demonstrate a dedication to MS research. Awards are in amounts up to $550,000 for a total of five years of training and research. The training period covers two years and research funding covers three additional years for research in a new faculty position.
Collaborative MS Research Center Awards
The NMSS offers funding to research centers with the intent to promote interaction among researchers. The Collaborative MS Research Center Awards program is intended to create collaboration between MS researchers, including independent investigators, and clinical research organizations. In addition, the program reaches out to professionals working in other fields of research to recruit them into MS research projects.
MS Research Center Awards are obtained through an application process through the NMSS MS Grants web page.
Fast Forward commercial/drug development
Fast Forward is a commercial research funding entity under the NMSS which provides funding for drug development and MS research being conducted through commercial entities such as EMD Pharmaceuticals, the University of Cambridge, the University of Edinburgh, and others. Researchers interested in the program are able to apply for funding through the Commercial Funding Opportunities web page.
Daniel Haughton Senior Faculty Award
This award was named after a member of the Board of Directors of the NMSS. Its purpose was to provide funding for training of MS researchers who needed additional education regarding the disease. As of 2017, this award was on hold and not accepting applications.
Harry Weaver Neuroscience Scholarships
Harry Weaver
Harry Abraham Weaver (February 26, 1892 - May 30, 1983), was a professional baseball player who played pitcher in the Major Leagues from 1915 to 1919. He played for the Chicago Cubs and Philadelphia Athletics. In 1918 Weaver's career was interru ...
was a researcher in the field of neuroscience who had a dedication to MS research. He was the Director of Research at NMSS from 1966 to 1977. The scholarship in his name is offered to provide salary and research funding for a period of five years to researchers who are beginning their careers in MS research. The program is most often supported through universities.
Health Care Delivery & Policy Contracts
The Health Care Delivery and Policy Research (HCDPR) program funds investigators who are conducting research projects which address NMSS organization's priorities. These priorities are listed by the NMSS as funding, quality, outcomes, and costs for care related to MS.
International Progressive MS Alliance
The International Progressive MS Alliance was founded in 2012 as the International Progressive MS Collaborative. The MS Alliance membership is composed of MS organizations from around the world. The Alliance provides two different funding awards, including the Challenge Award and Collaborative Network Award grants. Both grants provide funding over multiple years to researchers and institutions in the international community.
Mentor-based Postdoctoral Rehabilitation
This program supports a combination of mentors and MS postdoctoral training institutions to recruit and train MS rehabilitation fellows. Mentors are required to be experienced MS researchers who have an established and active participation in their field. Interested parties must submit an application for the program through the NMSS website.
Participants in the program include the Duke University School of Medicine, the Weizmann Institute of Science
The Weizmann Institute of Science ( he, מכון ויצמן למדע ''Machon Vaitzman LeMada'') is a public research university in Rehovot, Israel, established in 1934, 14 years before the State of Israel. It differs from other Israeli unive ...
, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is the academic health sciences campus in Aurora, Colorado that houses the University of Colorado's six health sciences-related schools and colleges, including the University of Colorado School ...
, University of Utah
The University of Utah (U of U, UofU, or simply The U) is a public research university in Salt Lake City, Utah. It is the flagship institution of the Utah System of Higher Education. The university was established in 1850 as the University of De ...
, and additional related institutions.
Clinician Scientist Development Award
The American Academy of Neurology
The American Academy of Neurology (AAN) is a professional society representing over 38,000 neurologists and neuroscientists. As a medical specialty society it was established in 1948 by A.B. Baker of the University of Minnesota to advance the ...
and NMSS have partnered to develop this grant program. The program focuses on providing grant funding to MS researchers.
In 2016, the American Academy of Neuroscience Clinician Scientist Development Program awarded $3 million to research and training programs with a focus on neuroscience.
Pilot Research Grants
High-risk pilot research programs focus on cutting-edge ideas and methods which have not been tested which may contribute to MS medical research. The Pilot Research Grants provide one year of research funding to pilot programs in order to develop results which can be used to apply for long term funding programs.
References
External links
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Non-profit organizations based in New York City
Organizations established in 1946
Multiple sclerosis organizations
Disability organizations based in the United States