National MS Society RFA: Remyelination and Neuroprotection Grant

Eligibility

Applicants should possess an M.D., Ph.D. or equivalent and be considered eligible by their institution to apply for grant support. Eligible UCalgary principal applicants must have background and training in the scientific or administrative oversight necessary to manage the sponsored project, and must meet one of the following criteria:

• Academic Appointee - any employee of the University holding an Academic Appointment (Continuing, Limited Term, Contingent Term or Sessional) or a non-employee of the University holding a Clinical, Adjunct, or Emeritus Appointment.
• Managers, level M1 or above.
• Professional, level P3 or above•Research, level R3 or above.
• Technical Professional, level T3 or above.

Postdoctoral fellows, residents and other trainees are not eligible to apply.

A brief pre-application is required to determine if a proposal is aligned with the objectives of the RFA. Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to consult with Society scientific staff prior to submitting a proposal (see contact information below). Upon review of pre-applications by staff, applicants proposing work that is aligned with the RFA objectives will be invited to submit full applications.

Pre-applications will be accepted beginning: October 5, 2023
Pre-Application Deadline: 5:00 PM Eastern, Wednesday, January 3, 2024

Applicants are encouraged to contact research staff for more information:

Walt Kostich, PhD
Senior Director, Translational Research
Walter.Kostich@nmss.org

James Quinn, PhD                   
Director, Biomedical Research 
James.Quinn@nmss.org

Summary

The National MS Society is pleased to announce the release of a new Request for Applications focusing on Generating Knowledge and Tools to Promote Remyelination and Neuroprotection in Multiple Sclerosis intended to support research that advances our Pathways to Cures Roadmap. 

This RFA is open to not-for-profit academic research institutions worldwide. Collaborations with commercial organizations are allowed.

Purpose of this RFA: This funding concept supports research that addresses gaps in our knowledge of the underlying biology of CNS remyelination in MS, the factors or processes that modulate this process, and methods to measure remyelination. Additionally, research into neuroprotective mechanisms with the potential to prolong neuronal viability for remyelination is encouraged. The supported research is intended to lay the foundation for the next generation of therapeutic approaches. 

In addition, the concept supports the development or refinement of tools needed to support preclinical and clinical studies of remyelination and neuroprotection in MS, including in vitro and animal models that more closely reflect MS pathophysiology and clinical biomarkers with utility for measuring CNS myelination and neuroprotection. Applications proposing the testing of new or established biomarkers must include relevant components of analytical method validation to ensure that a test, tool, or instrument is adequate for its proposed context of use.

Areas of specific interest may include but are not limited to:

• Studies of mechanisms underlying endogenous remyelination in MS.
• Investigations into the basis of the heterogeneity of endogenous remyelination observed across lesion types and between individuals living with MS.
• Studies of factors that modulate remyelination in MS.
• Studies of mechanisms to provide neuroprotection or oligodendrocyte protection.
• In vivo and in vitro model systems that more closely mimic MS pathology with utility to study interventions supporting remyelination.
• Clinically translatable biomarkers for the measurement of remyelination or neuroprotection.
• Preclinical proof of concept studies for potential therapeutic targets to promote remyelination or neuroprotection. Studies could involve small molecule drugs, cell-based strategies, biologics, genetic models, or other suitable approaches.

Funding: Up to $1,000,000 USD total costs (including indirect costs where applicable) for up to 3 years of support will be provided and must be justified based on the scientific work plan. Applicants with proposals of high potential impact that require budgets of over $1,000,000 USD and/or more than 3 years of support should contact a program officer to determine if it can be considered under this mechanism.

Preliminary Data: Applicants are expected to provide preliminary data in support of their hypothesis and demonstrating the feasibility of the proposed studies.

A brief pre-application is required to determine if a proposal is aligned with the objectives of the RFA. Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to consult with Society scientific staff prior to submiting a proposal (see contact information below). Applications are to be submitted through the National MS Society's online grant submission portal - MSGrants. All proposal information, including instructions for accessing MSGrants, can be found online. Upon review of pre-applications by staff, applicants proposing work aligned with the RFA objectives will be invited to submit full applications.

Overhead

Not Applicable. Indirect costs will not be provided for grants or subcontracts to institutions outside of the United States.

Application deadlines

RSO detailed review deadline

RSO final internal review deadline

Program application deadline

Application deadlines

Pre-Application Deadline

NOTE: Consult your Faculty Associate Dean (Research) (ADR) regarding Faculty-specific deadlines and submission processes.

Principal Investigators: Complete a Research Management System (RMS) record, including a copy of your complete application, and submit this for approvals in RMS.

Approvals: The University of Calgary requires that all funding applications be approved prior to submission. Approval requires signatures via RMS in the following order:

• Principal Investigator
• Department Head
• Faculty ADR/Dean
• Research Services (on behalf of the Vice-President Research)

Read the Meaning of Grant Signatures policy to understand what your approval means. Please see the agency guidelines for details about which signatures are required on your application, as it may differ from internal requirements.

Late submissions: Late submissions will only be accepted in cases of medical or family emergencies, or other exceptional circumstances. If you submit your RMS record to Research Services after the internal deadline has passed, you must secure additional approvals. Please read: Late Applications Process.

Additional Resources

Request for Applications

Application Instructions

Application Checklist

RFA Narrative Template

Policies and Procedures: Research Funding Programs and Other Awards