13 January 2026: Melbourne neurologist and global MS researcher Professor Helmut Butzkueven has been named co-recipient of MS Australia’s 2025 MS Research Award, recognising more than two decades of leadership in improving care and advancing understanding of multiple sclerosis (MS).
The MS Research Award recognises exceptional contributions to MS research. It celebrates researchers who have made significant advancements in our understanding of MS and in the development of better treatments, preventions or cures.
Based at Monash University and Alfred Health, Professor Butzkueven has played a central role in shaping MS research and clinical practice in Australia and internationally.
He is the co-founder and Managing Director of MSBase, the world’s largest MS registry, which now includes more than 125,000 patient records across 50 countries.
Professor Butzkueven said his motivation comes from the people he sees in the clinic each week.
“I have had the privilege of being involved in the care of people with MS for more than 20 years, and that is really the driving force.
“We see the unmet need And that is a massive challenge and a great motivator,” Professor Butzkueven said.
Professor Butzkueven chose neurology early in his career because he was drawn to the biggest unanswered questions in medicine.
“Neurology is about how the brain works and immunology is about how the immune system works. Neurology and Immunology are the greatest mysteries left in medicine- they come together in MS,” Professor Butzkueven said.
Through MSBase, Professor Butzkueven has helped build an evidence base that has shaped treatment guidelines, enhanced real world evidence, and improved understanding of how MS progresses over time.
He also leads major international drug safety initiatives, helping deliver consistent, high-quality care for people living with MS.
Professor Butzkueven said receiving this award from MS Australia held particular significance.
“MS Australia is one of the most respected organisations globally in multiple sclerosis advocacy and research funding.
“To be recognised through this organisation means the world to me,” Professor Butzkueven said.
MS Australia CEO Rohan Greenland said Professor Butzkueven’s contribution to MS research has had a lasting impact.
“Helmut’s work has changed the way MS is understood and treated, not only in Australia but internationally.
“His leadership in establishing MSBase has transformed MS research and strengthened clinical care for tens of thousands of people,” Mr Greenland said.
Professor Butzkueven said the pace of research remains promising, particularly in the search for answers about MS progression and the role of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV).
“We are seeing huge interest in EBV and how it may trigger MS, and at the same time we are beginning to unravel the mechanisms of progression.
“That means better ways to monitor the disease, better biomarkers and more trials, and for that reason, I am more optimistic about that now than I was five years ago, ” Professor Butzkueven said.
Professor Butzkueven shares the 2025 MS Research Award with Professor Bruce Taylor from the Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania.
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About the MS Australia Awards
The MS Australia Awards shine a spotlight on the remarkable people driving change, compassion and progress across the MS community.
2025 MS Australia recipients are Professor Bruce Taylor and Professor Helmut Butzkueven, co-recipients of the MS Research Award, MS Nurse and advocate Belinda Bardsley, recipient of the MS Advocacy Award, and the Miles family (Jess, Jan and Glenn), recipients of the John Studdy Award.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
media@msaustralia.org.au
Lisa Montague – 0412 002 544
Jayme Markus – 0401 944 905
