MS Society Commissioned Research Calls

MS Society Commissioned Research Calls are the Multiple Sclerosis Society UK's topic-led route for questions it wants to direct rather than leave to ordinary response-mode awards. The most recent call, issued in May 2025, focused on a feasibility study to build a prospective natural-history cohort of people at higher risk of MS, matching the Society's prevention emphasis and the work of the MS Prevention Taskforce established in December 2023. That call carried a budget of up to GBP 500,000 over a maximum of five years, with an aim to keep annual spend below GBP 150,000. It used a two-stage process, starting with a Letter of Intent and moving to a full application only after approval. Eligibility sat with UK-based researchers at a UK university or NHS institution, with a tenured position required for the award period and team members expected to include MS research or clinical experience. This route suits groups that can deliver a narrowly framed study with real methodological depth and a clear public-health use case. Strong proposals are likely to show access to high-risk cohorts, a credible recruitment plan for diverse participants, and the biomarker or clinical expertise needed to test prevention questions, especially where people affected by MS are involved as co-applicants or advisers.

No upcoming rounds verified. Cadence: One-off.