With the increasing number of new therapies being developed for use in MS, there is a need for physicians trained in conducting clinical trials. To this end, the Society established the Sylvia Lawry Physician Fellowship Program, named in honor of its founder. Clinical trials to test the safety and efficacy of therapies for multiple sclerosis are highly complex and require special expertise and knowledge to monitor this highly variable disease. This program provides the individual with an MD or equivalent medical degree with up to 3 years of formal training, under the tutelage of an established investigator, in key elements associated with conducting clinical trials in MS. Residents who have or will have received training in neurology or physiatry in the United States, and who are in the PGY3 or PGY4 stage or beyond, are eligible to apply.
🧠 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
his program provides the individual with an MD or equivalent medical degree with up to 3 years of formal training, under the tutelage of an established investigator, in key elements associated with conducting clinical trials in MS.
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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Pre-Application Deadline: 5 p.m. EST on Wednesday, August 13, 2025
Full Application Deadline: 5 p.m. EST on Wednesday, August 20, 2025
$75,000
Affiliation: National Multiple Sclerosis Society
Address: 733 3rd Ave 3rd Floor, New York, NY 10017
Disclaimer:It is mandatory that all applicants carry workplace liability insurance, e.g., https://www.protrip-world-liability.com (Erasmus students use this package and typically costs around 5 € per month - please check) in addition to health insurance when you join any of the onsite Trialect partnered fellowships.