Object: The Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Innovation grant will be awarded to support promising translational research projects by academic researchers to improve understanding of MS for the ultimate benefit of patients. Potential research topics that could be funded through the GMSI include :

- Multiple sclerosis (MS) pathogenesis

- Response to treatment and prediction of MS subtypes

- Identification of predictive or surrogate markers to allow better clinical decisions using currently available treatments

- Any potential new treatments

Eligibility: Applications are invited from around the world. To be eligible to apply, applicants must have preliminary data to support their proposal (data will be requested as part of the application procedure).

Researchers who submitted an application that was unsuccessful in previous rounds are welcome to submit a revised proposal.

Evaluation criteria:

The Scientific Committee for the innovation grant comprises representatives from Merck (including neuroscientists, neurologists and MS experts), supported by external leaders in the field. The Scientific Committee undertakes a rigorous process of review and assessment of eligible projects, before validating its selection of grant Awardees.

The names of the applicants and their institutions are completely blind to the members of the Scientific Committee to keep the scientific merit of the proposals as the key criteria for selection. All proposals are rated from 1 to 5 (with 5 being the highest) against each of the following criteria:

Relevance to clinical practice

Innovative research

Scientific rationale

Feasibility

Practical utility

A final score is then calculated and the projects ranked accordingly. After each round of selection, successful applicants will be contacted individually to inform them of the status of their application and eventually request additional information. All projects that pass to the second round of review will have to submit the formal protocol, the budget and a signed document that confirms their acceptance of the Grant for Multiple Sclerosis Innovation rules and regulations for advanced applications.

Amount: A total grant of up to €1,000,000 will be awarded to one or more selected projects.

Aplication:

- A blank Letter of Intent form will be sent in reply to your email and instructions will be provided. If you do not receive a reply within 48 hours please re-send your email.

Deadlines:

- VHIR: 5th February 2018

- Official (LoI): 12th February 2018

Further information: GMSI Webpage