We are pleased to provide you with a summary of the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada's new research funding commitments which were recently approved by the National Executive Committee of the National Board of Directors. The approvals were based on recommendations from the Medical Advisory Committee and the Grants Review Committee following a rigourous peer review process in January.

Highlights:
The Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada has increased its support of MS research by more than 60 percent over last year's approved commitment. The Society is funding an additional $2.9 million in research projects, post doctoral fellowships and studentships. This is the largest allocation to the research program ever made by the MS Society.

Also in 1998, the MS Society is initiating two new research programs:

Health Research Program -- This program will fund projects that deal with research into broader health issues that affect people with MS such as quality of life and the economic cost of MS. While the MS Society has supported health research in the past, the new program sets up a separate review committee and review process. The chair of the Health Research Committee is Dr. Kristan Aranson, associate professor, epidemiology, Queen's University.

Pilot Research Program -- The program provides limited start-up funds for innovative approaches to MS research where preliminary data is not sufficient to allow the investigator to apply to the regular research program. Investigators can apply for pilot research funding anytime throughout the year, unlike the regular program which accepts proposals once a year. Funding for the Pilot Research Program is from the MS Scientific Research Foundation, which is related to the MS Society. The program will be administered through the Research Department of the MS Society of Canada.

Disclaimer
The Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada is an independent, voluntary health agency and does not approve, endorse or recommend any specific product or therapy but provides information to assist individuals in making their own decisions.