Barancik Prize for Innovation in MS Research

Eligibility

Deadlines for the 2025 prize: Nominations are open and will be accepted through August 11, 2025.

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.

Summary

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. The prize also includes a $200,000 fellowship award at the recipient’s institution for a trainee chosen by the recipient.
 

Barancik Prize for Innovation in MS Research

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.”

Application deadlines

Program application deadline

2026 Nomination Timeline

Nominations are open May 6–July 22, 2026.

Email nomination letters to Barancik.Prize@nmss.org

2026 Barancik Prize Anticipated Timeline (Subject to Change):

• May 6: Nominations open.
• July 22: Nominations close.
• Early August: Eligible nominees are invited to submit an application with materials that support their nomination.
• Early September: Full applications due.
• Mid-October: Finalists are selected and notified.
• Late November/Early December: Finalists interviews.
• December: Winner is selected and notified.
• March 2027: Recipient presents the Barancik Prize plenary lecture at ACTRIMS Forum in Phoenix, AZ, USA

Questions about the prize may be addressed to Jenny Furman, PhD (Jenny.Furman@nmss.org) or Bruce Bebo, PhD (Bruce.Bebo@nmss.org)