NMSS Opens Second Cycle of Research Grants with AED 4 Million in Funding
The National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS) has announced today the opening of applications for the second cycle of its research grants, in collaboration with the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi. Applicants are required to submit a Letter of Intent by 6 September prior to completing the full grant application by 7 October, 2024.
Launched in 2023, the initiative is in line with the society’s commitment to supporting cutting-edge research to find a cure for Multiple Sclerosis (MS). The Society is awarding up to four million AED in research grants this year, with individual grants capped at AED 500,000 for each project.
The grants support research projects for one year, with the possibility of an extension for a maximum of three years. The first cycle of the NMSS research grants awarded six projects that addressed important research areas, including Paediatric MS, epidemiology and clinical characteristics, treatment patterns in the MENA region, early and accurate diagnosis of MS using AI, and the evaluation of the safety and efficacy of photoimmunotherapy.
Her Excellency Dr. Fatima Al Kaabi, Vice Chair of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, said:
“NMSS is committed to driving progress toward finding a cure for MS through dedicated funding for innovative research projects. With this commitment, we aim to accelerate scientific exploration and innovation to improve MS diagnostic techniques and treatment outcomes. Our collaboration with the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi enhances the impact of our grants and leverages the expertise of leading medical researchers.”
Dr. Asma Al Mannaei, Executive Director of the Research and Innovation Centre at the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH) said:
“Our partnership with the National MS Society has been instrumental in driving forward MS research in the UAE. The success of the first grant cycle highlighted the significant interest and expertise within the research community across the UAE. We are confident that the second cycle will continue to build on this momentum, contributing to Abu Dhabi’s position as a leading center for healthcare innovation and scientific excellence.”
NMSS has set criteria for obtaining funding. To be considered for funding, all projects must demonstrate alignment with the Society’s research priorities. These priorities have been developed in consultation with medical and scientific experts, healthcare providers, and individuals affected by MS in the UAE.
NMSS’s research priorities include advancing innovative and emerging treatments that can slow, stop, or reverse MS; understanding the clinical characteristics, epidemiology, incidence, and prevalence of MS in the UAE; understanding the role of genetics in MS in the UAE and globally; exploring suspected risk factors for MS in the UAE population; understanding the efficacy and effect of specific treatments on populations in the UAE, including new treatments in clinical trials, RIS/CIS treatments, DMTs and COVID-19 severity, pregnancy, and DMTs; and exploring the state of access to treatment in the UAE, MENA region, and globally.
Applicants can submit their research proposals through the society’s website https://www.nationalmssociety.ae/advancing-research