Barancik Prize largest ever cash prize to spur progress toward a cure for MS

NEW YORK, Nov. 12, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- A new, $100,000 annual cash prize has been established to recognize scientists whose inventive work is propelling measurable multiple sclerosis research progress. MS is an unpredictable, often disabling disease of the central nervous system, which interrupts the flow of information within the brain, and between the brain and body. The Barancik Prize for Innovation in MS Research recognizes an exceptional scientist or team whose work in MS research has demonstrated outstanding innovation and originality. The prize is made possible by the generosity of the Charles and Margery Barancik SO Foundation, and is administered through the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

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"We are proud to steward the new Barancik Prize, the largest ever established to spur progress toward stopping MS, restoring function and ending MS forever," noted Cyndi Zagieboylo, President and CEO of the National MS Society. "This is the latest in a long history of generous support for MS research provided by Charles and Margery Barancik, and it reflects their wish to speed this vital work."

The Society also administers the John Dystel Prize for MS Research to recognize outstanding contributions to MS research, and the Ralph I. Straus Award for any scientist(s) who can find the cure for MS.

Any investigator(s) active in MS research is eligible for the Barancik prize, and the nominee(s) may be from any institution or organization— public or private, government, as well as commercial entities. Nominees may also be at any stage of their professional career in MS research.

The first prize will be given in May 2013. Nominations are accepted until January 31, 2012.  A selection committee comprised of leaders in science, medicine, and MS advocacy will review nominees for their exceptional innovation and originality, impact and potential of the research to lead to pathways for the treatment and cure for MS, and accomplishments that merit recognition as a future leader in MS research.  Visit the National MS Society's Website for more details: www.nationalMSsociety.org/BarancikPrize

About the Charles and Margery Barancik SO Foundation
For over twenty years, Charles and Margery Barancik have been major supporters of research projects in the field of multiple sclerosis. Earlier this year, the Charles and Margery Barancik SO Foundation was organized to carry out some of the Barancik Family's philanthropic programs. They recognize and believe in the power and influence that one creative and driven individual can have on the course of future events. The Barancik family members have noted the impressive achievements of singular individuals in driving change and attracting others to a cause. Their goal in establishing the Barancik Prize is to recognize and reward MS scientists who can positively and imaginatively impact the direction of MS research going forward. The Foundation is administered through the auspices of the Gulf Coast Community Foundation (GCCF). The Foundation will only consider proposals that it has specifically requested; unsolicited requests will not be considered.

About the National Multiple Sclerosis Society
MS stops people from moving. The National MS Society exists to make sure it doesn't. We help each person address the challenges of living with MS. In 2011 alone, through our national office and 50-state network of chapters, we devoted $164 million to programs and services that improved the lives of more than one million people. To move us closer to a world free of MS, the Society also invested $40 million to support more than 325 new and ongoing research projects around the world. We are people who want to do something about MS now.  Join the movement at nationalMSsociety.org.

SOURCE National Multiple Sclerosis Society