Frontiers in MS Symposium

In late November 2024, MS Australia hosted their inaugural Frontiers in MS Research symposium, held in partnership with The University of Sydney’s Brain and Mind Centre.
The symposium shone light on the revolutionary research taking place surrounding MS prevention, early detection, effective treatments, and featured the key global collaborations that are driving innovation.
Representing MSWA was Melanie Kiely, CEO, along with Horst Bemmerl, MSWA Board Chair and Nicolette Murphy, MSWA Client with her care support worker Natasha Bishop.
As the rainy days in Sydney unfolded, the conference highlighted the increased importance of empowering those with MS and the wider neuro community to be aware, informed and get involved in research developments.
The symposium concluded with a panel discussion featuring a mix of experts, professors and people living with MS, which included Nicolette. The discussion explored emerging research, clinical trials, and efforts to shape the future of MS prevention.
When asked about a question surrounding wellbeing, in conjunction with sourcing a cure, panellist Professor Bruce Taylor, raised that quality of life should always be prioritised in trial design, as participation itself often benefits individuals, providing optimism and the feeling of contribution.
Nicolette echoed this sentiment, highlighting the mental health benefits of being involved in trials and the excitement that comes from opportunities such as PLATYPUS and global collaborations with Canada, the US, and the UK.
Also discussed was the topic of decision-making around Disease Modifying Therapies which Nicolette highlighted the importance of being able to choose a therapy while receiving tailored guidance to suit the specific individual’s needs.
“To be included in something like that is absolutely phenomenal. We met such informative people, we learned a lot,” Nicolette said of her panel experience.
The symposium highlighted the importance of collaboration and the focus of improving outcomes of those living with MS. Additionally, the EBV in the MS National Collaborative Platform was introduced. In conjunction, MSA launched a $8 million partnership with MS Canada to advance prevention initiatives.
To find out more visit https://go.mswa.org.au/msa-symposium-24
We look forward to hearing the findings from the 2025 conference, which promises to be just as inspiring.