MS Canada: Discovery Research Grants

Sponsor’s Website

Visit the MS Canada website for more information on the Discovery Research Grants.

Internal Contacts

Katie Harriman: katie.harriman@carleton.ca

Potential applicants are also encouraged to discuss this funding opportunity with their Faculty Research Facilitator.

Deadlines

Overview

MS Canada’s Discovery Research Grants support innovative, investigator-led projects that generate new knowledge and improve the health and quality of life of people affected by multiple sclerosis (MS). Funding is available for projects that align with MS Canada’s strategic priorities and contribute to advancing prevention, treatment, care and understanding of the disease.

Research projects must align with one or more of the following impact areas:

• Advance treatment and care
• Enhance well-being
• Understand and halt disease progression
• Prevent MS

Applicants may apply through one of two streams:

1. Biomedical Research
2. Clinical and Population Health Research

The program supports investigator-initiated research proposals and welcomes applications from a broad range of disciplines relevant to multiple sclerosis.

Value and Duration

Up to $300,000 for up to three years.

Funding requests are expected to fall within the range of approximately $50,000 to $100,000 per year. Total budgets may not exceed $300,000.

Eligibility

Applicants must hold an academic or research appointment at a Canadian institution that permits them to conduct independent research, supervise trainees and disseminate research outputs throughout the funding period.

Applicants may submit a maximum of one proposal per Discovery Research Grant competition cycle. Applications may be resubmitted up to two times, for a maximum of three submissions total.

Indirect costs are ineligible.

Special Requirements

• Primary applicants and key personnel must use MS Canada’s required CV template available through ProposalCentral.
• Applications require a plain-language summary and an “impact and relevance to MS” statement that will be reviewed by community representatives.

Information Session

MS Canada will be hosting a virtual information session for Discovery & Catalyst Research Grants on Friday, September 11, 2026 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. (ET).

The session will include a detailed overview of application requirements and procedures, changes to this cycle’s application, the review process and tips for a successful application.

Submitting Your Application

1. Submit an internal Approval Form through our central awards management database cuResearch. Consult the user’s manual for guidance.
2. Submit an external application to MS Canada through their online portal.