Bringing us closer: the global MS research community

Discover how people involved in MS research are working together all over the world to improve MS research and treatment.

MS research is bringing us closer to ending MS. In order to reach this goal, it’s crucial for the global MS research community to work together, sharing skills, ideas and exciting updates that could benefit people affected by MS all over the world.

Here are just a few examples of the international groups that bring people involved in MS research closer to each other and bring us closer to ending MS.

Europe

European Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ECTRIMS)

ECTRIMS brings together MS researchers from all over Europe to network and collaborate, with the aim of improving research and outcomes in MS. Its 2017 congress, held jointly with ACTRIMS in California (see below), attracted more than 10,000 attendees – a fantastic example of global collaboration in action.

Through its wide range of fellowships, ECTRIMS plays a vital role in supporting a new generation of neuroscientists, neurologists, physicians, MS nurses and MS researchers to develop critical skills in MS care, treatment and research.

Next meeting: 10-12 October 2018, Berlin, Germany

Find out more: ECTRIMS

Latin America

Latin America Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (LACTRIMS)

2018 is a special year for LACTRIMS. This year, LACTRIMS will host its 10th biannual congress, marking 20 years since the committee first began. Over the past two decades, LACTRIMS has brought together renowned experts in MS research from around the world to share knowledge, experience and important updates about MS with the region.

This year’s event will cover such subjects as diagnosis, clinical management, genetics, current and future therapies for MS and information about laws affecting people with MS in Latin America.

Next meeting: 22-24 November 2018, Asuncion, Paraguay

Find out more: LACTRIMS

‘The TRIMS meetings provide an excellent platform for exchanging the latest news from MS research and therapy. In addition, there is a wide spectrum of valuable educational activities. I am honoured to host the next ECTRIMS meeting to be held in October in Berlin, Germany. See you there!’
                                  – Prof. Reinhard Hohlfeld, ECTRIMS 2018 Chair

Asia

Pan-Asia Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (PACTRIMS)

PACTRIMS is a fantastic example of how bringing the global MS research community closer together can benefit people affected by MS all over the world.

In 2007, inspired by the success of ACTRIMS and ECTRIMS, a bold group of neurologists decided to set up PACTRIMS: a regional committee to provide MS healthcare professionals, scientists and neurologists in the Asia Pacific region with a network to inspire and learn from each other.

More than a decade later, PACTRIMS continues to grow, with the annual congress now in its 11th year. PACTRIMS strives to stimulate research into MS, encourage young researchers, promote access to treatment and represent the voice and interests of the Asia Pacific MS research community.

Find out more: PACTRIMS

America

Americas Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ACTRIMS)

ACTRIMS is an inspiring community of leaders from the US and Canada dedicated to improving MS research and treatment. Established in 1995, ACTRIMS plays a vital role in disseminating knowledge, promoting collaboration and providing a space for both new and more experienced clinicians and researchers to share ideas. Its annual Forum gives new MS researchers a unique platform to present their work and network with scientists and researchers at the cutting edge of MS research.

This February, around 1000 people involved in MS treatment and research, including researchers, patient advocates, clinicians, and students, came together for the third ACTRIMS forum. The event, held in California, featured exciting discussions about the future of disease modifying therapies used in MS.

Latest meeting: February 2018, San Diego, California

Find out more: ACTRIMS

Middle East and North Africa

Middle East and North Africa Committee for Treatment and Research in MS (MENACTRIMS)

MENACTRIMS is the youngest of the committees in this list, yet it’s already made a huge impact in the Middle East and North Africa.

Based in Amman, Jordan, MENACTRIMS creates vital connections between clinicians and scientists across the region in order to advance MS research and improve outcomes in MS.

At its third congress, held in 2017, more than 900 health professionals and representatives from 38 countries came together to share ideas and insights on the new 2017 McDonald Criteria, MS and pregnancy, MRI advances and new strategies in MS therapy.

Its ambitious objectives include creating national and regional MS registries, developing guidelines for diagnosis and treatment and, crucially, encouraging young MS researchers.

Next meeting: November 2018, Dubai, UAE

Find out more: MENACTRIMS