MSA Trust

New funding available for multiple system atrophy research grants

For immediate release: Tuesday 20 May 2014

New funding available for multiple system atrophy research grants

The UK-based charity the Multiple System Atrophy Trust (MSA Trust) has announced today (20/5/14) that it has increased funding for the 2014 grant round for research that aims to find the cause of, and treatments for, the degenerative neurological disease multiple system atrophy (MSA).

To ensure the Trust continues to fund the very best research in the field, its grants process has been revised to make it more robust and compliant with criteria set by the research standards body, the Association of Medical Research Charities (AMRC).

Trustee of the MSA Trust and Chair of its independent Scientific Advisory Panel, Professor David Burn, said:

“The Trust has £150,000 available to fund research projects this year. We are committed to maintaining this level of funding for the foreseeable future and, if funds allow, we will increase it even further.

“For the first time the Trust will consider applications from overseas researchers where there is a demonstrable link to a UK institution or UK-based principal investigator. We have made this decision because we are committed to collaborating with the world’s experts in MSA research while also investing in young scientists who are embarking on their careers.”

The Trust’s key research focus for the next three years include:

  1. Funding research projects that aim to find the cause of MSA and improving treatments for people with MSA through drug discovery and translational studies, e.g., the treatment of important symptoms in MSA.
  2. Seeking collaborative partnerships with other bodies involved in neurodegenerative research.
  3. Encouraging engagement with the pharmaceutical industry.
  4. Building links with existing research structures to grow MSA scientists and clinicians of the future.
  5. Supporting international scientific collaboration.

The closing date for applications is Friday 19 September 2014. Interested applicants should email robin.toomey@msatrust.org.uk for an application form.

The Multiple System Atrophy Trust is the UK’s only charity that supports people with MSA and their families and carers. We are the primary funder of research into MSA in the UK. Executive Director, Nickie Roberts, said:

“The Trust relies entirely on voluntary donations to fund all aspects of our work, including research activities. Our members regularly tell us that identifying the cause of this devastating disease is a priority for them. Therefore we are committed to spending a significant proportion of their donations on this area.”

―   ENDS   ―

For more information please contact:

Robin Toomey, robin.toomey@msatrust.org.uk, 0207 940 4135

Notes to editors:

Find out more about the MSA Trust and MSA:


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