The National MS Society relies on the advice of leading scientists, physicians and other experts from virtually every field related to MS to help us make decisions about which research projects and programs have the best chance of moving us closer to a world free of MS.

We receive over 450 research proposals from researchers who hope to explore particular questions about MS each year. Our volunteer peer reviewers help us determine their merit and relevance to MS. We have seven committees of research peer reviewers who volunteer over 2,000 hours each year to this important task.

Panelists review proposals for their

• scientific merit and relevance to MS
• the novelty of their ideas
• experience and productivity of the applicants
• collaborators and institutional environment

The senior oversight committee (Research Programs Advisory Committee) reviews the results of the other committees’ recommendations, and also helps to develop policy and set priorities for the Society’s research programs. To see the names and affiliations of committee members, follow these links:

• Advisory Committee for Biomedical Research Committee A (.pdf)
• Advisory Committee for Biomedical Research Committee B (.pdf)
• Advisory Committee for Biomedical Research Committee D (.pdf)
• Advisory Committee for Research on Patient Care, Management and Rehabilitation (.pdf)
• Advisory Committee on Health Care Delivery and Policy Research  (.pdf)
• Advisory Committee on Fellowship (.pdf)
• Advisory Committee for Pilot Immunity Research (.pdf)
• Advisory Committee for Pilot Glial/Myelin Research (.pdf)
• Research Programs Advisory Committee (.pdf)

In addition to its standing review committees, the Society frequently convenes special task forces and other committees (such as our advisory committee on clinical trials below) to focus on emerging research trends and to help steer our research efforts in new directions. Recent task forces include a Task Force on Epidemiology of MS and a Stem Cell Research Task Force.

The International Advisory Committee on Clinical Trials in Multiple Sclerosis is jointly supported by the National MS Society (USA) and the European Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ECTRIMS). The Committee provides perspective and guidance related to planning and implementing clinical trials for new agents for the treatment of MS.
Read more about the Committee’s current members, projects, and past successes.