endMS National Training Program
endMS Scholar Program for Researchers IN Training (SPRINT)
Program Overview
endMS SPRINT is a national training program designed for trainees at the Master's, Doctoral and Postdoctoral/Clinical Fellowship levels who are keen on enhancing knowledge and skills in MS research, taking part in interdisciplinary, collaborative research and establishing valuable connections amongst peers in the field.
Eligibility
Trainees enrolled full time in a graduate program, and postdoctoral/clinical fellows, at a Canadian university are eligible to apply. Refer to program guidelines (see below) for complete details on eligibility.
Key Features:
endMS SPRINT is pursued as a supplement to the research conducted by the trainees at their institutions. The goal of the interdisciplinary learning projects is to provide trainees with the unique opportunity to expand their areas of research interest in a structured program under the supervision of a SPRINT mentor and in collaboration with co-trainees from different disciplines.
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Trainees enrolled in endMS SPRINT will:
- Participate in the next two consecutive endMS Summer Schools.
- Receive travel awards to attend endMS Summer School and small group mentored meeting.
- Participate in an interdisciplinary learning project.
- Be assigned an endMS SPRINT mentor and participate in team mentored learning.
- Receive an endMS SPRINT stipend of $2,500.
Duration of the program: 13 months - Beginning with the 2025 Summer School and ending with the 2026 Summer School. -
Time commitment required: 2 weeks (2 endMS Summer Schools) plus approximately 8-10 hours per month (over the period between the two Summer Schools)
Approximate monetary value of SPRINT per trainee, including the stipend: $ 11,500
Outcomes
A goal of the interdisciplinary learning projects is to provide trainees with the unique opportunity to expand their areas of research interest in a structured way under the supervision of a mentor and in collaboration with one or more co-trainees from different disciplines. Knowledge dissemination from the projects include the development and distribution of an information brochure for people living with MS and researchers; an article for publication, preparation of an educational newsletter or presentation for people living with MS, etc. Here is a list of the SPRINT projects and outcomes since 2011.
Important Dates
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Competition Opens: Mid December, 2024
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Application Deadline: February 19, 2025
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Anticipated Notice of Decision: Mid April, 2025
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Program Start Date: June 16, 2025
Application and Program Guidelines
Congratulations to the current 2024-2025 endMS SPRINTers!
“The interdisciplinary projects encourage trainees to explore MS-related topics outside of their own field with an interdisciplinary group of colleagues. This interaction fosters the development of a variety of skills that are crucial to conducting meaningful research, and that can often not be obtained in individual academic programs.” SPRINT alumni
“I think our project has the potential to really help people with MS in their daily lives... I have not only gained confidence in my ability to see a project through to completion, present in public and work as a team but have also developed potential research collaborations. I feel honoured to be a part of this unique network.” SPRINT alumni
“Nowhere else could you enroll in a yearlong adventure especially designed to enhance essential research skills. Through communication workshops, networking activities and multidisciplinary projects, the program provides young researchers with the tools they need to promote their research and to make a significant contribution to the global scientific MS community.” SPRINT alumni