MS Australia is inviting the MS community to share their thoughts and help shape our research and advocacy priorities here.
The views of the Australian MS community are integral in guiding the strategic planning and future development of MS Australia. We would like to understand which of the many different areas of MS research and advocacy are important to people living with MS, their friends, family and carers, health professionals and researchers.
As the leading voice for Australians affected by MS, MS Australia passionately advocates on their behalf while funding and coordinating essential research to better treat, prevent, and ultimately cure MS.
MS Australia’s Research Program
MS research spans a wide array of fields, including immunology, neurobiology, genetics, and epidemiology, as well as clinical and allied health disciplines. We aim to tackle the treatment and prevention of MS, manage its numerous symptoms, and work tirelessly towards finding a cure.
Our approach leverages Australia’s strengths within the global MS research community, building a robust national network and tackling ambitious research goals. These goals include improving MS diagnosis and treatment (including symptom management and rehabilitation), predicting and preventing MS, and developing strategies for cell repair and regeneration.
Each year, MS Australia is only able to fund a portion of the many worthy research projects presented. To make the most impactful use of our resources and our donors’ generosity, we focus on supporting not only the strongest research projects and the most capable researchers, but also those that are prioritised by the MS community.
Through our national and international collaborative platforms, MS Australia supports major projects, hastening a national collaborative effort to accelerate work and eliminate duplication against MS research priorities. The platforms empower researchers to achieve significant breakthroughs more quickly and effectively than they could on their own.
With guidance from our Board of Directors and a panel of expert research advisors, we’ve developed a targeted research strategy and a robust governance process to ensure our efforts are aligned with the needs and priorities of those affected by MS. As part of this strategy, we are conducting a comprehensive research program review in 2025.
Research Program Review
A research program review is being conducted in 2025 to ensure that MS Australia’s grant program and national collaborative research platforms are effectively meeting their objectives and maximising the impact of their investments.
By evaluating the structure and balance of the grant program and platforms, MS Australia aims to identify areas for improvement, ensure alignment with strategic priorities, and make informed decisions about resource allocation.
This review will help MS Australia maintain the integrity and effectiveness of its research efforts, ultimately advancing its mission to accelerate Australian MS research toward the prevention, better treatments and a cure for MS.
MS Australia’s Advocacy
MS Australia is a powerful advocate, raising awareness and lobbying for key issues to drive systemic change for effective MS management. Our efforts aim to empower people with MS to manage their symptoms more effectively and enhance their quality of life, health, and wellbeing.
We regularly represent the MS community in submissions to the Australian Government and Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee and collaborate with like-minded organisations both nationally and internationally to amplify our impact.
Have your say!
As part of the MS Australia strategic plan, we are seeking feedback and consultation to understand which areas of MS research and advocacy are most important to people both directly and indirectly affected by MS.
MS Australia is inviting Australians with MS, their friends, family, carers, doctors, MS staff, nurses, researchers, and the broader MS community to join in the discussion about the key priorities in MS research and advocacy.
To have your say, please click here. You can share your thoughts with us until 31 March 2025.
If you would prefer a hard copy of the survey, please contact one of our MS Australia team members at 1300 010 158 or info@msaustralia.org.au, and we will post a hard copy to you.
Your opinion will help shape the future of MS Australia’s research and advocacy priorities and champion the interests of Australia’s MS community.
To find out more information about MS Australia’s Strategic Planning, please click here.
