Dr. John N. Whitaker was a world-renowned researcher in multiple sclerosis and a dedicated mentor who encouraged emerging scientists to develop their skills and advance MS research.
The CMSC proudly honors his legacy through the annual Whitaker Research Track, which showcases the work of promising investigators and supports the next generation of MS researchers.
The Whitaker Research Track welcomes abstracts from emerging scientists conducting research in multiple sclerosis.
Eligible applicants include:
Students
Postdoctoral fellows
Young investigators within five years of their first faculty appointment
Selected investigators will have the opportunity to present their research during the Whitaker Platform Session at the CMSC Annual Meeting.
The Whitaker Research Track recognizes outstanding research by emerging scientists in the field of multiple sclerosis.
Whitaker Prize for MS Research
A panel of judges, led by Dr. Ahmed Obeidat, will evaluate selected presentations and award the Whitaker Prize for MS Research.
The winner will receive a monetary grant from the Foundation of the CMSC to support continued research in multiple sclerosis.
Presenter Benefits
Investigators selected to present during the Whitaker Platform Session will receive:
Transportation assistance
Hotel accommodations for two nights
Complimentary CMSC Annual Meeting registration
Whitaker Platform Session: Date and time to be announced.
The Whitaker Research Track welcomes original research submissions from eligible students, postdoctoral fellows, and young investigators.
Abstract Formatting Requirements
Abstract body: Maximum 2,500 characters, including spaces.
Abstract title: Maximum 150 characters, excluding spaces.
Proofreading: Authors are responsible for correct grammar, spelling, and accuracy.
Originality: Abstracts must report work that has not been previously published or presented.
Formatting: No continuation pages, illustrations, or tables are permitted.
Completeness: Abstracts with incomplete information or incorrect formatting will not be reviewed.
Important: Submission of an abstract represents a commitment to present the work at the CMSC Annual Meeting if accepted. Authors of accepted abstracts must register for the conference.
Author Disclosures
All authors must complete the required disclosure statement for their abstract to be considered for review.
Commercial Interest Participation
CMSC is jointly accredited by ACCME, ACPE, and ANCC and follows their applicable continuing education standards.
Research submitted by authors affiliated with commercial interests may be considered if the content focuses on basic science rather than a commercial product or its promotional aspects.
Acceptance of an abstract for the Whitaker Research Track is determined solely by the CMSC Whitaker Review Committee.
Presentation Restrictions
Slides containing scientific or clinical information may not be presented if they have been developed by a commercial interest.
Submission Commitment
Submitting an abstract indicates a commitment to present at the CMSC Annual Meeting if selected. Authors of accepted abstracts must register for the conference.
Incomplete Submissions
Abstracts must follow all formatting and submission guidelines. Incomplete submissions will not be reviewed.
The CMSC Whitaker Review Committee will evaluate all eligible submissions.
Abstracts will be reviewed based on:
Clarity and quality of the research
Scientific merit and originality
Relevance to multiple sclerosis research
Strength of the research findings
All submissions will be evaluated on an equal basis, whether related to the meeting theme or addressing other areas of multiple sclerosis research.
Preference will be given to data-based submissions.
Final Selection
Abstracts selected for the Whitaker Platform Session will be determined by the CMSC Whitaker Review Committee.
Acceptance Notification
Applicants will be notified of their abstract acceptance status no later than February 28, 2027, subject to confirmation of the 2027 schedule.
Whitaker Platform Session
Selected investigators will present their research during the Whitaker Platform Session at the CMSC 2027 Annual Meeting in San Diego.
Session Date: To be announced.
Presenter Registration
Authors of accepted abstracts must register for the CMSC Annual Meeting. Complimentary registration will be provided to investigators selected for the Whitaker Platform Session.
Additional presentation instructions and scheduling information will be communicated to selected investigators.
All accepted abstracts will be published in the International Journal of MS Care (IJMSC) for distribution during the CMSC Annual Meeting. Accepted abstracts will also be made available on the CMSC Annual Meeting website.
About the Journal
The International Journal of MS Care is a peer-reviewed journal dedicated to multidisciplinary multiple sclerosis care.
Visit the journal’s website at www.ijmsc.org.
Author Responsibilities
Authors are responsible for reviewing their abstract information carefully and submitting any necessary corrections or updates in a timely manner.
All requested changes must be submitted by the established deadline.
Changes After the Deadline
CMSC and the International Journal of MS Care reserve the right to reject requests for corrections, revisions, or other changes received after the designated deadline.
Whitaker Prize for MS Research
The Whitaker Prize recognizes the most outstanding presentation during the Whitaker Research Track at the CMSC Annual Meeting.
Presentations will be evaluated by a panel of judges based on scientific merit, originality, quality of research, and presentation.
The recipient will be recognized during the CMSC Annual Meeting.
Award Details
Additional information about the award and recipient benefits will be announced.
Questions about abstract content, submission rules, guidelines, or acceptance notifications?
Jennifer Pichardo
(201) 487-1050 ext. 115
Need assistance with the abstract submission system?
Confex Support
+1 401-334-0220
Email: Daily, 7 AM–11 PM ET
Phone: Mon–Fri, 8 AM–6 PM ET