Who we are
The UK's main funder of MSA research
The MSA Trust is the principal UK charity dedicated to funding research into Multiple System Atrophy. Since our founding, we have invested over £3.3 million into studies that seek to understand, treat and ultimately cure this devastating disease.
We fund research across the full spectrum — from laboratory science exploring what causes MSA at a cellular level, through to clinical studies improving day-to-day care for people living with the condition right now.
All of our research funding is awarded through an open, competitive process guided by our independent Scientific Advisory Panel, and fully compliant with the standards of the Association of Medical Research Charities.
AMRC Member — our funding processes meet the highest standards for medical research charities in the UK.
Scientific Advisory Panel
Our panel brings together leading neurologists, MSA researchers, and people with personal experience of the condition. It plays three essential roles in how we fund and oversee research.
Setting Priorities
Panel members draw on scientific, clinical and personal knowledge to identify the most important areas for MSA research funding — revisiting these before every grant call.
Reviewing Applications
All grant applications are assessed by the panel alongside independent peer reviewers — national and international experts in MSA — before funding decisions are made.
Sharing Results
The panel helps communicate research findings back to the MSA community in a clear and accessible way — making sure what we fund reaches the people it's meant to help.
How We Fund Our Research
Our grant award programme
We offer several different types of funding to support research at every scale — from large collaborative studies to smaller projects focused on improving everyday care.
Bringing Researchers Together
Annual MSA Research Symposium
Since 2023, we have organised an annual meeting bringing together MSA researchers from across the UK and internationally. Each year focuses on a specific theme in MSA research.
The Symposium serves as a forum for researchers we have funded to present their findings, ensuring we can track the impact of every grant we award.
It is also a space for researchers to network, explore new collaborations, and discuss what comes next — helping to connect the dots between studies happening around the world.
International Reach
Researchers from across the world attend to present findings and plan new collaborations.
Accountability
Grant recipients present their progress, so we — and the MSA community — can see the impact of every investment.
New Connections
Networking between researchers, clinicians and the MSA community fuels the collaborations that lead to breakthroughs.
Growing Future Talent
Clinical Research Training Fellowship
In partnership with the Association of British Neurologists, we co-fund a Fellowship programme to develop the next generation of clinician scientists specialising in MSA.
Our Commitments
How we approach research responsibly
Alongside funding great science, we hold ourselves to a clear set of values in how that research is carried out and shared.
Funding & Sustainability
Some research — such as brain banking — requires long-term, sustainable funding beyond what a single charity can provide alone. We are actively developing partnerships with pharmaceutical companies and other charities to ensure continuity for these vital programmes.
Openness & Awareness
We are committed to communicating research findings clearly — not just to scientists, but to people living with MSA, their families and healthcare teams. We use our website, social media and direct communications to keep our community informed and empowered.
Use of Animals in Research
We recognise that animal research remains necessary in some areas of MSA science, but we only fund it when no realistic alternative exists. We require all funded projects to comply with UK and EU animal welfare laws, follow the 3Rs principles (Replace, Reduce, Refine), and include review by an animal care committee at the host institution.
Digital Tools & Data
We are exploring how digital tools and data sharing — particularly through global initiatives like the Global Parkinson's Genetics Programme (GP2) — could advance MSA research and generate additional income. Any data-sharing will comply fully with UK ethics and data protection requirements.
Our Process
How we decide where money goes
We follow a rigorous process to make sure every pound is spent on research that truly matters.
