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Become a NEALS Member

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Washington University School of Medicine
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NEALS Membership

Medical institutions that are equipped to perform clinical trials in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and motor neuron diseases OR researchers who are dedicated to ALS research may apply for membership. To apply for membership an institution must:

  • Have a lead investigator (researcher) responsible for the NEALS research activities at his/her institution; and
  • Have an out-patient clinic dedicated to caring for patients with ALS and motor neuron diseases; OR
  • Be an investigator (researcher) dedicated to ALS research.
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Benefits of a NEALS Membership

As a NEALS member, a research institution has access to many valuable resources, most importantly a supportive network of experienced and knowledgeable ALS research sites and researchers who are committed to the collaborative, free-flow of information and ideas to improve ALS patient care and disease understanding. More specifically, NEALS members can access:

  • Standardized training and procedures for implementation of clinical trials
  • State-of-the-art Electronic Data Capture, Data Management and Clinical Trials Management system available to all members for the conduct of trials directed by members
  • Historical clinical data and sample repositories
  • Statistical support for member initiated projects
  • A Scientific Advisory Board and partnerships with leading ALS scientists
  • Collaborative efforts with other professional organizations, government, and industry sponsors
  • Opportunities to participate in state of the art clinical trials in ALS
  • Training and certification programs in ALS outcome measures (ALSFRS-R, HHD, SVC, EIM, MUNE)
  • Educational programs for site investigators and investigators interested in directing multi-center trials
  • An annual three-day meeting of members to share advances, information, and "lessons-learned" from current clinical ALS research and to discuss forward-looking ALS science
  • Letter(s) of support from the organization for grant applications
  • Satellite Membership Meetings at the American Academy of Neurology Annual Meeting and other professional conferences.

How To Apply for Membership

You may apply for NEALS membership by completing the Application for Membership. The NEALS Executive Committee votes on applications for membership throughout the year. Acceptance is based on the site’s geographic location, patient base, prior investigator/researcher experience and expertise, and facilities and staff available to perform NEALS activities.

Please submit your completed Application for Membership to:

Beverly Smits
Program Manager
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Who is Considered a NEALS Member?

The Principal Investigator who applies for the NEALS membership will be responsible for the membership and will identify other clinical and research staff who may have access to NEALS resources under his/her membership. Within a member institution, active ALS clinicians, researchers, evaluators, and coordinators may all be considered members of NEALS.

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Membership Dues

Each year, NEALS sites are invoiced for annual dues in the amount of $1,000 to support member activities.