- MS Australia’s Research Program supports research across prevention, better treatments, and finding a cure through repair and remyelination.
- A 2025 review of the program aims to ensure relevance, innovation and improved health outcomes for people living with MS.
- The review is being led by an expert panel, with opportunities for public input later this year.
What is the MS Australia Research Program?
MS Australia’s research program has been running for over two decades, supporting world-class projects that aim to better understand, treat, and ultimately cure MS. Now in its 21st year, we are taking the opportunity to ensure it continues to deliver the greatest possible impact.
Each year, we fund a mix of biomedical and social & applied research, across key focus areas:
- Finding a cure through repair and remyelination
- Developing better treatments
- Understanding causes and prevention
Projects range from lab-based studies in genetics, immunology, and neurobiology to real-world research on quality of life, healthcare delivery, and mental wellbeing.
We also invest in longer-term strategic platforms. These are large national and international initiatives that foster collaboration, drive innovation, and support data collection. While there are many, here are just a few that reflect the breadth and ambition of our program:
- The Australian MS Longitudinal Study (AMSLS): Tracking the experiences and health of thousands of Australians with MS
- The PLATYPUS clinical trial: Australia’s first adaptive trial for MS, testing potential treatments to promote brain repair in progressive MS
- The EBV and MS initiative: Investigating the role of Epstein-Barr virus in triggering MS
- The MS Brain Bank: Helping researchers understand how MS affects brain tissue over time
- The PrevANZ trial: This trial tested whether vitamin D supplementation could prevent MS in people at high risk. Ongoing data sharing may uncover further insights into its role
Plus, international partnerships including:
- MS International Federation
- International Progressive MS Alliance
- Pathways to Cures
Why are we reviewing the program?
The world of research is moving fast, and so are the expectations of people living with MS. We are committed to ensuring our research program remains relevant, forward-thinking, and focused on improving quality of life. We want to make sure every dollar is accelerating progress toward a world without MS.
Who is involved?
We have assembled a team of respected, independent experts to lead the review:
- Dr Tony Willis, former Deputy CEO of the Australian Research Council
- Dr Bill Carroll, neurologist and past President of the World Federation of Neurology
- Dr Pam Valentine, neuroscientist and CEO of MS Canada
- Dr Sarah Flaim, a member of our Lived Experience Expert Panel (LEEP) and Chief Operating Officer of the National Imaging Facility
- Prof David Tscharke, NHMRC Leadership Fellow, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, John Curtin School of Medical Research
They will be reviewing our current program, looking at global best practice, and gathering insights from the MS community and research leaders.
What does this mean for people living with MS?
Ultimately, this review is about making sure we are doing the best we can for people living with MS. Whether it is improving treatments, supporting repair and remyelination, or preventing MS before it starts, our research program must continue to deliver real, lasting benefits.
A discussion paper will be released for public comment later this year, and a final report will go to the MS Australia Board by the end of 2025.
With two decades of progress behind us, we are now focusing on how the program can continue to meet the changing needs of people living with MS.
