The National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS) is a non-profit organization based in New York City with chapters located throughout the United States. The organization's goal is to improve the quality of life for people affected by multiple sclerosis by funding of research, advocating for social and political change, providing education, and sponsoring programs and services that help people with multiple sclerosis and their families.
The NMSS was founded as the Association for Advancement of Research on Multiple Sclerosis,[1] in 1946. Since that time it has become a national, multi-chapter, non-profit organization. It has been rated by Forbes magazine as #63 in the 100 Largest U.S. Charities 2016 Ranking.
The NMSS supports and funds research activities in early research, translational research that develops laboratory results into treatments, and clinical trials 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.[3][4]. As of 2016, NMSS has raised $974 million dollars for research[5].
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.
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.
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.