Investing in innovative research

Since 1998, we have invested or committed £8.6 million to MND research, which is only made possible by our incredible donors and fundraisers. This has helped drive pioneering research projects, clinical trials and helped train the next generation of MND researchers.

It’s time we found a cure

We’re targeting our investments to find new MND treatments and bring them into clinical trials as quickly and as safely as possible.

Treatment pipeline
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to take potential treatments into people, including clinical trials

Identifying targets
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for therapies and mechanisms underlying MND

Improving care
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standards for people affected by MND

About our research

MND Scotland plays a proud role in a worldwide movement to find new treatments, and one day a cure for motor neuron disease (MND).

In the UK, charities like MND Scotland play an important role in the research funding landscape, which also includes universities, government funders and industry. MND Scotland is a proud member of the Association of Medical Research Charites (AMRC) and we adhere to their standards and guidelines.

We firmly believe in putting people affected by MND at the heart of our research programme. That’s why we strive to embed lived experience into our funding process, from asking people affected what problems need solving, to their opinions on where our research funding goes.

We have published our 2022-25 Research Strategy which sets out our key priorities for research funding over a three-year period.

 

Our funded research

Thanks to our incredible donors and fundraisers, MND Scotland is funding the biggest MND clinical drug trial in UK history. We are also funding a wide range of cutting-edge research projects to help ‘make time count’ against motor neuron disease.

Find out more about the research we fund, and the talented people who undertake the work.

Calling all researchers

Whether you are laboratory based, engineering, data, clinical, social science or from another field entirely - come and join our community of pioneering researchers tackling key research questions around MND.

Together we can create a world without MND and improve the lives of those living with the illness today.

Our pioneering projects

Every year our understanding of motor neuron disease gets better. Find out more about the cutting-edge research projects building our understanding of the mechanisms behind MND and the latest research news.

Response to Durham University research into multiple rugby concussions and neurodegenerative diseases

Researchers at Durham University recently published (17 July 2024) a study on the difference in the levels of proteins associated with neurodegenerative disease in retired rugby players with a history of concussions, and athletes without a concussion history.

MND Scotland Trustee, Professor Richard Ribchester on the progress of MND research

To mark National Research Appreciation Day, our trustee, Professor Richard Ribchester, shares his thoughts on the progress and future of motor neuron disease (MND) research. 

New research project could improve MND diagnosis, monitoring and research

The new research project, run by Professor Roger Whittaker, a consultant clinical neurophysiologist at the University of Newcastle, will investigate whether it is possible to lay the foundations for a non-invasive investigation using standard hospital MRI scanners.

Taking part in research

There are lots of ways you can get involved in MND research. From joining the UK’s biggest ever MND clinical drug trial to test potential new treatments, to donating body tissues and getting involved in active research projects, your experience and input is invaluable. Find out more about how you can get involved.

You make our work possible

Your donations help us attract new research talent, invest in pioneering research projects and drive clinical trials to find new treatments.

Join our search for a cure by leaving a gift or becoming a regular donor.

“When I look at the progress that’s been made in the last few years, it’s totally overwhelming. John would be absolutely amazed and proud of what’s been achieved. All he ever wanted was for other people going through MND to have support they need, and to move us towards finding a cure. For the first time in my life, I feel that there is hope.”


Peigi Macleod, Co-founder of MND Scotland

For researchers

Are you an MND researcher? You can help us create a world without MND and improve the lives of those living with the illness today.

Find out more about our funding applications and how you can help make time count.

You can help create a world without MND