LONDON, September 22 /PRNewswire/ -- The MS Society has been recognised as the only charity in the country to join a new awards initiative which aims to develop the talent of some of Britain's most promising medical researchers.
Today, at a service to mark the 60th anniversary of the Fulbright Treaty, the Fulbright Commission announced the first wave of new awards.
Supported by UK universities, institutes of higher education and the MS Society, the new awards will increase by 30% the scholarships it gives by 2010 to over 60. The awards aim to support the British and American higher education systems to increase the exchange of post graduate students, researchers and faculty.
The MS Society's award - the Fulbright Multiple Sclerosis Society Research Award - enables a British researcher to study in the US.
Simon Gillespie, chief executive of the MS Society, said: "Our support for the Fulbright Commission awards recognises the MS Society's commitment to furthering vital research into the cause and effects of multiple sclerosis. Supporting expert researchers will help us discover effective treatments, and ultimately a cure, for MS."
In welcoming the announcement of the new award, the Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, said:
"It is particularly pleasing to see one of the UK's leading charities in the forefront of this important initiative. The Multiple Sclerosis Society does vital work across the whole of the UK and this new fellowship is an important part of the Society's aim to beat MS."
For further information on the work of the MS Society, please contact MS Society press office on +44(0)20-8438-0782. For further information concerning the Fulbright Commission Awards please contact Penny Egan on +44(0)20-7539-4411 during office hours or on her mobile +44(0)7885-398-050.
