The endMS Scholar Program for Researchers IN Training (SPRINT) is a national training program aimed to enhance knowledge and skills related to MS research among trainees and increase opportunities to conduct MS research in Canada.
endMS SPRINT is targeted to multiple sclerosis trainees at the graduate, postdoctoral or clinical fellowship level with an interest in:
- enhancing knowledge and skill in MS research,
- taking part in interdisciplinary, collaborative research, and
- establishing valuable connections among peers in the field.
Eligibility
To be eligible, applicants must be in one of the following situations:
- enrolled in a graduate program at a Canadian university
- must be a postdoctoral/clinical fellow (must have completed their PhD in the last 4 years or less at the time of the application) at a Canadian university
- completed graduate training and currently enrolled in an undergraduate program (e.g. M.D. program) at a Canadian university
Applicants who are accepted into SPRINT must be enrolled in a program with full time status during their participation in SPRINT (June 2024 to June 2025).
Please refer to the program guidelines for complete eligibility criteria.
Benefits of the Program
SPRINT is designed for the elite MS trainee with an interest in enhancing knowledge and skill in MS research, taking part in interdisciplinary, collaborative research and establishing valuable connections among peers in the field. SPRINT is intended to be pursued as a supplement to the research conducted by the trainees at their institutions.
Trainees accepted in the program participate in two consecutive annual endMS Summer Schools and career development sessions as well as in active learning components that are pursued throughout the academic year (such as an interdisciplinary learning project, and mentorship. The goal of the interdisciplinary learning projects is to provide trainees with the unique opportunity to expand their areas of research interest in a structured program under the supervision of a SPRINT mentor and in collaboration with two co-trainees from different disciplines.
Trainees enrolled in endMS SPRINT will:
- Participate in the next two consecutive endMS Summer Schools.
- Receive travel awards to attend (if able) endMS Summer School and small group mentored meeting.
- Participate in an interdisciplinary learning project.
- Be assigned an endMS SPRINT mentor and participate in team mentored learning.
- Receive an endMS SPRINT stipend of $2,500.
Duration of the program: 13 months - Beginning with the 2024 Summer School and ending with the 2025 Summer School.
For more information go to https://www.endmstrainingprogram.ca/sprint
Important Dates
- Competition Opens: December 12, 2023
- Application Deadline: February 15, 2024
- Anticipated Notice of Decision: Mid April 2024
- Program Start Date: June 2024
Application and Program Guidelines
Application and Program Guidelines
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2023 endMS Summer School Teaser and SPRINT Info Session
Here is the link to the recorded session from January 27, 2023
What: A snapshot of what we can expect from the 2023 Summer School will be provided by the Summer School hosts! In addition the National Training Program will provide an overview of SPRINT as well as guidance on the application process for Summer School and for SPRINT be available to answer any questions.
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Click here to view a copy of the 2020 Summer School and SPRINT information session slides.
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Here is a list of SPRINT projects completed since 2011: SPRINT Projects and Outcomes
Current and Past SPRINT Participants
2022-2023 SPRINTers
2021-2022 SPRINTers
What former SPRINTers have said about their experience in the program:
“The interdisciplinary projects encourage trainees to explore MS-related topics outside of their own field with an interdisciplinary group of colleagues. This interaction fosters the development of a variety of skills that are crucial to conducting meaningful research, and that can often not be obtained in individual academic programs.”
“SPRINT – through its career development workshops, intensive summer school curriculum, and mentorship from senior MS researchers – not only fills vital gaps in graduate training, but makes the transition from trainee to researcher seem less daunting.”
“Participating in SPRINT was a logical next step in my training as I had been involved in MS research for several years, I was excited to learn about the different dimensions of multiple sclerosis addressed outside of my own field of study and to work with people from other disciplines who were approaching MS research with a unique perspective.”
“The program not only pairs individuals who share the common goal of enhancing the lives of people living with MS and their families, but also provides exposure to an area of MS research that they would likely have never explored,”
“I think our project has the potential to really help people with MS in their daily lives...I have not only gained confidence in my ability to see a project through to completion, present in public and work as a team but have also developed potential research collaborations. I feel honoured to be a part of this unique network.”
SPRINT interdisciplinary learning projects and team mentored learning
A goal of the interdisciplinary learning projects is to provide trainees with the unique opportunity to expand their areas of research interest in a structured way under the supervision of a mentor and in collaboration with one or more co-trainees from different disciplines. Knowledge dissemination from the projects include the development and distribution of an information brochure for people living with MS and researchers; an article for publication, preparation of an educational newsletter or presentation for people living with MS, etc.
Based on the information provided in the application, teams of three trainees from different disciplines will be partnered with a SPRINT mentor (established MS researcher) by the National Training Program and SPRINT Committee. The SPRINT mentors will develop and guide the interdisciplinary project. The SPRINT trainee teams will work on the project with their SPRINT mentor during the period between the two endMS Summer Schools. The project should require approximately 8 hours of work per month and will be developed, supervised, and assessed by the SPRINT mentor.
Here is a list of SPRINT projects completed since 2011: SPRINT Projects and Outcomes
Newsletters
We are pleased to share with you editions of the endMS Spotlight on the Future newsletter. In these editions, you will be introduced to the graduating SPRINTers and their SPRINT mentors.
2022 endMS Spotlight on the Future
2021 endMS Spotlight on the Future
2020 endMS Spotlight on the Future
2019 endMS Spotlight on the Future
2018 endMS Spotlight on the Future
2017 endMS Spotlight on the Future
2016 endMS Spotlight on the Future
2015 endMS Spotlight on the Future
2014 - SPRINT Spotlight on the Future - Third Edition
Contact Information
Program Manager: Ms. Anik Schoenfeldt
Tel: (514) 843-1442/ 1-877-288-2570
Email: anik.schoenfeldt@affiliate.mcgill.ca
Program Director: Dr. Christina Wolfson
Tel: (514) 934-1934 ext. 44739
Email: Christina.wolfson@mcgill.ca
endMS National Training Program Office
Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre
The Montreal General Hospital
1650 Cedar Avenue, Building R2-115
Montreal, Quebec H3G 1A4
If you would like to receive endMS Training Program announcements - add yourself to the email list by sending your contact information to: anik.schoenfeldt@affiliate.mcgill.ca