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Barancik Prize for Innovation in MS Research

National Multiple Sclerosis Society

This international prize is administered through the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and made possible by the generosity of the Charles and Margery Barancik Foundation. Charles and Margery were two powerful visionaries of the MS movement. They were a driving force to accelerate pathways to new treatments and ultimately a cure for multiple sclerosis.Their belief that one creative and driven individual can accelerate a world free of MS gave rise to the Barancik Prize for Innovation in Multiple Sclerosis Research, which recognizes an exceptional scientist or team whose work in MS research has demonstrated outstanding innovation and originality. Chuck and Margie often noted that “MS has affected our lives in many ways. We want a world without MS.”

Overview

The Barancik Prize for Innovation in Multiple Sclerosis Research recognizes an exceptional scientist or a team of scientists whose work in MS research has demonstrated outstanding innovation and originality. This annual prize, made possible by the generosity of the Charles and Margery Barancik Foundation, has been increased to $125,000 to be used at the discretion of the recipient. New this year, the prize also includes a $200,000 fellowship award at the recipient’s institution for a trainee chosen by the recipient.

Criteria and nominations

The goal of the prize is to recognize innovation in scientific research in the field of multiple sclerosis. Nominations must be submitted on behalf an individual, or a team, by one or more colleagues or mentors. Self-nominations are not permitted.Nomination letters should address the nominee’s scientific accomplishments with an emphasis on the innovative and impactful aspects of the nominee’s work, including a maximum of 2 journal citations if appropriate. Include the current institution and contact information for the nominator and nominee. Please ensure the eligibility criteria below are met prior to submitting nominations.Previous nominations are not automatically carried forward. If you wish to re-nominate a previous candidate, please update the earlier nomination with any significant developments and/or citations and resubmit.A selection committee comprised of leaders in science, medicine, and MS advocacy will review nominees. The committee will evaluate:

Exceptional innovation and originality in scientific research relevant to MS
Impact and potential of the research to lead to pathways for the treatment and cure for MS
Scientific accomplishments that merit recognition as a future leader in MS research

Nominees that exhibit these qualities will be invited to submit an application, and finalists will be selected for an interview by the selection committee.

AI Based Application Success Predictor

🧠 1. Direct Relevance to MS Mechanisms or Patient Impact

NMSS prioritizes research that targets:

Causes and mechanisms of MS (e.g., demyelination, neurodegeneration, inflammation)

Disease progression, repair, and neuroprotection

Symptom management (fatigue, mobility, cognition, spasticity)

Improved care delivery or quality of life

Strong predictor: Clearly stated MS relevance and a translational pathway to improve clinical outcomes.

🧬 2. Scientific Innovation + Rigor

Successful proposals are:

Hypothesis-driven, with specific aims

Designed with strong methodological rigor

Feasible within the scope, timeframe, and budget

Commonly funded approaches include:

Human immunology studies

MRI/imaging biomarkers

CNS repair & remyelination models

Clinical trials or pilot studies

Behavioral interventions & rehab

Predictor: Novel ideas backed by preliminary data or strong rationale, and clear, measurable objectives.

👩‍🔬 3. Experienced or Emerging MS-Focused Investigators

NMSS funds both:

Established researchers with a track record in MS or neurodegeneration

Early-career scientists with strong mentorship and MS research plans

Predictors include:

Prior publications or pilot data in MS or neuroinflammation

MS-focused mentors (for fellowships)

Evidence of a long-term commitment to MS research

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 4. Collaborative & Multidisciplinary Teams

Projects that bring together basic scientists, clinicians, rehab specialists, and engineers are highly valued

Cross-disciplinary integration (e.g., neuroimmunology + data science) improves funding chances

Predictor: A research team with diverse, complementary expertise and MS-relevant experience.

🧭 5. Alignment with NMSS Research Priorities

The Society prioritizes projects in these strategic focus areas:

Progressive MS (mechanisms, progression, repair)

Restoring function (rehabilitation, neuroplasticity, remyelination)

Stopping MS (immunological and viral triggers, early detection)

Improving quality of life (symptom relief, access to care)

Healthcare delivery & equity

Strong predictor: A direct match with one of these mission goals.

📋 NMSS Grant Programs

Program	Purpose	Typical Amount
Research Grants	Lab-based or clinical research on MS mechanisms, treatment, progression	~$150K–$750K
Pilot Research Grants	Preliminary studies to gather data for larger projects	~$50K–$100K
Career Transition Fellowships	Support postdocs moving to independence in MS research	~$550K over 5 years
Clinician Scientist Development Awards	Support MDs doing research	~$400K–$500K
Mentor-Based Postdoctoral Fellowships	Support for labs training future MS researchers	Varies
Health Care Delivery & Policy Research	Examines access, equity, and MS care systems	~$100K–$300K

✅ Strong Past Proposal Topics:

Remyelination therapies using iPSCs

Viral and environmental triggers in early MS

Gut microbiome and MS flares

Exercise effects on neuroplasticity in MS

Cognitive rehab using VR tools

Real-world care gaps in underserved MS populations

Specialties

Neurosciences

Eligibility Requirements

Any investigator(s) active in MS research is eligible for the prize, and the nominee(s) may be from any institution or organization— public or private, government, as well as commercial entities. The award is intended for early to mid-career MS researchers. Nominees should have no more than 20 years of experience as an independent investigator or team leader to be eligible. There are no specific requirements for residency or citizenship. Nominees need not be current or past grantees of the National MS Society.

Sponsor Details

Sponsor Institute/Organizations: National Multiple Sclerosis Society

Sponsor Type: Corporate/Non-Profit

Address: 733 3rd Ave 3rd Floor, New York, NY 10017

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