MS Australia
Multiple Sclerosis Australia, commonly referred to as MS Australia, is a prominent national non-profit organization with a primary focus on research and advocacy in support of individuals affected by Multiple Sclerosis (MS). This organization achieved official registration as a charitable entity in Australia in the year 1975. There are over 25,000 people living with MS in Australia and MS Australia serves as the peak body for all Australians living with or otherwise affected by MS. The organization characterizes its approach as one that leverages Australia's unique strengths within the broader global landscape of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) research. MS Australia is committed to fostering the Australian MS research network while actively pursuing several overarching research objectives. These research objectives encompass: Enhancing Diagnosis and Treatment: A fundamental goal is to advance the understanding of MS, with a particular emphasis on refining diagnostic methods and treatment options. This includes not only the management of symptoms but also the promotion of rehabilitation strategies to enhance the quality of life for those affected by MS. Prediction and Prevention: MS Australia is dedicated to the pursuit of knowledge regarding the prediction and prevention of MS. This entails investigating the factors contributing to the onset of the condition and exploring strategies to mitigate its development. Cell Repair and Regeneration: Another critical aspect of their research efforts involves the development of innovative approaches to foster cell repair and regeneration within the context of MS. This encompasses investigations into therapies and interventions that hold the potential to restore damaged neural tissue and enhance the long-term well-being of individuals living with MS. MS Australia encourages a national collaborative effort into MS research. The organization seeks to empower researchers to make discoveries not possible when working alone by inviting individual research teams to apply for support while also supporting major platform' projects. There are numerous instances of MS Australia providing research grants to individual researchers or research teams. David Hurley, Governor-General of Australia, is the current patron of MS Australia. Founding MS Australia was first established as the Australian MS Society in 1956, with the first general meeting held in February 1957. Nine years earlier, American Sylvia Lawry founded the USA’s National Multiple Sclerosis Society in New York in 1947, co-founding the Multiple Sclerosis International Federation the same year. Soon after followed the establishment of the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada in 1948 and the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Great Britain in 1953. The Australian MS Society was therefore the fourth society globally to be established for multiple sclerosis support and advocacy. Activities Research MS research seeks to address the treatment and prevention of multiple sclerosis and the management of its many symptoms, as well as trying to find a cure. Research into MS encompasses immunology, neurobiology, genetics, and epidemiology, and extends across clinical and allied health disciplines. In 2004, MS Australia established a subsidiary research branch called MS Research Australia. In June 2020, MS Research Australia was integrated into MS Australia as a fully integrated organization under one CEO and