We are delighted to share the news that MS Australia President, Associate Professor Desmond Graham is a recipient of the University of Tasmania’s 2021 Award for Outstanding Contribution by an Adjunct, Clinical, University Associate, and Professional Fellow Title Holder.
Associate Professor Graham has been recognised for his exceptional contributions to the University of Tasmania College of Health and Medicine, having considerable impact on how the institution engages effectively with the community and has been an outstanding champion and ambassador for the University.
Associate Professor Graham was also recognised for his considerable skill in his ability to engage multiple sclerosis (MS) consumers and leverage opportunities for MS research, significantly increasing the profile of Menzies as a hub of research excellence in MS.
The Menzies Institute for Medical Research at the University of Tasmania has a very strong research focus on MS, with a dedicated MS Research Flagship. The goal of the MS Research Flagship is to perform high-quality, interdisciplinary, and consumer-engaged research designed to reduce the impact of MS on individuals, their families and society.
They also work very closely with MS Australia to manage our Australian MS Longitudinal Study, which is Australia’s largest cohort study of people with MS. This research provides advocacy groups, government agencies, and other researchers with practical information on how MS is impacting on people’s lives.
MS affects more than 25,600 Australians and over 2.8 million people worldwide, with a 4% increase each year. Tasmania has the highest number of MS diagnosis in the country, with approximately 138.7 people diagnosed per 100,000. This unique concentration in Tasmania is one of the reasons why the Menzies Institute conducts internationally significant MS research to improve the lives of Tasmanians living with MS.
“It is an honour to be recognised by the University of Tasmania,” said Associate Professor Graham. “As a proud Tasmanian and someone living with MS, I am passionate about supporting the current and future needs of Australians living with and affected by MS and our relentless pursuit for a cure. This extends to supporting our dynamic research institutions and our highly engaged MS community.
“My aim as many know, is to supercharge the MS research agenda, to find the cure and improvement in the daily lives of people living with MS, not only in my home state but around the country and globally,” said Associate Professor Graham.
“The Menzies is a highly regarded research institution doing incredible work and I am honoured to receive this Award.”
Pictured: Associate Professor Desmond Graham, Professor Denise Fassett, Alison Venn and Natasha Stevens at the University of Tasmania.
