Targeted Request for Applications

priority research areas related to women’s health in MS that remain largely unexplored. The purpose of this RFA is to support the generation of preliminary data, perform secondary analysis of existing data, initiate feasibility studies, develop research methodology, or create tools to position the recipient to successfully apply for future longer-term funding of novel and impactful research that addresses significant knowledge gaps in women’s health issues for people with MS.This will be accomplished through a two-year research grant style mechanism, with a $200,000 maximum direct costs budget. Preliminary data is not explicitly required for this initiative.Areas of specific interest may include but are not limited to:

Impact of menopause on MS progression and symptom management
Potential use of innovative hormonal therapies
Role of cancer screening in women with MS
Unique health challenges faced by women with progressive MS
Research questions highlighted in the 2024 Frontiers in Neurology priority setting paper

Areas NOT supported by this RFA include:

Studies of sex differences in rates of disease
Studies of health disparities in women unrelated to MS
Studies of MS mechanisms, treatments, or symptoms not linked to women’s health issues.
Incremental extensions of ongoing research projects without new methods or approaches

Reference the full RFA for more details: Advancing Women’s Health Research in MS RFA" c-nmssatomrichtext_nmssatomrichtext-host="">

This funding opportunity is now open for applications for 2025.Advancing Women's Health Research in Multiple Sclerosis:Requests for Applications (RFAs) are released on an ad hoc basis to solicit applications for targeted research projects that address gaps or high priority research directions identified by the National MS Society. The Society recently helped support the International Advisory Committee on Clinical Trials in MS to highlight priority research areas related to women’s health in MS that remain largely unexplored. The purpose of this RFA is to support the generation of preliminary data, perform secondary analysis of existing data, initiate feasibility studies, develop research methodology, or create tools to position the recipient to successfully apply for future longer-term funding of novel and impactful research that addresses significant knowledge gaps in women’s health issues for people with MS.This will be accomplished through a two-year research grant style mechanism, with a $200,000 maximum direct costs budget. Preliminary data is not explicitly required for this initiative.Areas of specific interest may include but are not limited to:

Impact of menopause on MS progression and symptom management
Potential use of innovative hormonal therapies
Role of cancer screening in women with MS
Unique health challenges faced by women with progressive MS
Research questions highlighted in the 2024 Frontiers in Neurology priority setting paper

Areas NOT supported by this RFA include:

Studies of sex differences in rates of disease
Studies of health disparities in women unrelated to MS
Studies of MS mechanisms, treatments, or symptoms not linked to women’s health issues.
Incremental extensions of ongoing research projects without new methods or approaches

Reference the full RFA for more details: Advancing Women’s Health Research in MS RFA

How To Apply

MS Grants site:

Register for a user ID and password.* Allow 2 business days for approval.
Complete a pre-application. Allow 2 business days for approval.
Complete the application by posted deadline.

*If you already have an account that needs to be updated, please reach out to Society staff at MSResearch@nmss.orgProgram guidelines and instructions:Application instructions
Application checklist
Policies and proceduresQuestions?
Contact:James Quinn, PhD
James.Quinn@nmss.org" c-nmssatomrichtext_nmssatomrichtext-host="">

2025 DeadlinesPre-Application Deadline: 5 p.m. EST on Wednesday, August 20, 2025Full Application Deadline: 5 p.m. EST on Wednesday, August 27, 2025Apply now with our MS Grants site:

Register for a user ID and password.* Allow 2 business days for approval.
Complete a pre-application. Allow 2 business days for approval.
Complete the application by posted deadline.

Impact of menopause on MS progression and symptom management
Potential use of innovative hormonal therapies
Role of cancer screening in women with MS
Unique health challenges faced by women with progressive MS
Research questions highlighted in the 2024 Frontiers in Neurology priority setting paper

Areas NOT supported by this RFA include:

Studies of sex differences in rates of disease
Studies of health disparities in women unrelated to MS
Studies of MS mechanisms, treatments, or symptoms not linked to women’s health issues.
Incremental extensions of ongoing research projects without new methods or approaches

Reference the full RFA for more details: Advancing Women’s Health Research in MS RFA" c-nmssatomrichtext_nmssatomrichtext-host="">

Impact of menopause on MS progression and symptom management
Potential use of innovative hormonal therapies
Role of cancer screening in women with MS
Unique health challenges faced by women with progressive MS
Research questions highlighted in the 2024 Frontiers in Neurology priority setting paper

Areas NOT supported by this RFA include:

Studies of sex differences in rates of disease
Studies of health disparities in women unrelated to MS
Studies of MS mechanisms, treatments, or symptoms not linked to women’s health issues.
Incremental extensions of ongoing research projects without new methods or approaches

Reference the full RFA for more details: Advancing Women’s Health Research in MS RFA

Resources for MS Researchers

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