The Scottish Government is partnering with MND Scotland to fund a £240,000 Clinical Academic Fellowship in Motor Neurone Disease (MND) research.

This is the second fellowship of its kind, and will be open to individuals training in, or seeking to train in, all disciplines of medicine, with the aim of supporting a research-led clinical academic who will go on to lead the development of research into motor neurone disease.

The Scottish Government has also recommitted to funding two new recipients of the Gordon Aikman Scholarship. The Gordon Aikman Scholarship was set up in 2017 to support people affected MND, and healthcare professionals, by researching and developing practical improvements that could improve MND care.

Since 2015 the Scottish Government has committed more than £750,000 for research into motor neurone disease.

Shona Robison, Cabinet Secretary for Health & Sport, said:

“This latest partnership between the Scottish Government and MND Scotland is another step forward in working towards beating this terrible disease, and I’m delighted to announce this funding at the beginning to Motor Neurone Disease Awareness Week.

“We are completely committed to doing all we can to improve research into motor neurone disease, and this builds on previous investments, including our first Clinical Academic Fellowship, which is due to complete this year.

“And in addition to this, I’m also happy to say that we will fund two new recipients of the Gordon Aikman Scholarship again this year.”

Craig Stockton, CEO of MND Scotland, said:

“We are pleased to announce this funding into another MND Clinical Fellowship. MND Scotland is committed to finding a cure for Motor Neurone Disease, and by investing more into research, and with the help of partners like the Scottish Government, we will get there sooner.

“With the reopening of applications for the Gordon Aikman Scholarship, we are also working hard to improve the quality of life of those with MND and ensure they receive the best care possible.

“This MND Awareness Week (18th-24th June) MND Scotland is raising awareness of the illness and the devastating impact it has on families across the country.  To get involved please visit mndscotland.org.uk/MNDaware.”  

The Scottish Government’s Office of the Chief Scientist will run the application and interview process. The call will open on June 29, with details at: www.cso.scot.nhs.uk/

The call for applications to the Gordon Aikman Scholarship will open on June 21, see: www.nmahp-ru.ac.uk. These applications are now closed. 

Background

Of the £240,000 funding, £96,000 will be provided by the Scottish Government, with MND Scotland contributing £144,000.

It will provide individuals with the opportunity to undertake a PhD. The office of the Chief Scientist will run the application and interview process. The call will open on June 29, with details being provided on the Chief Scientist Office website.

The call for applications to the Gordon Aikman Scholarship will open on June 21st 2018.

Photo credit: Euan MacDonald Centre