Research
THE ROLE OF MS RESEARCH IN AUSTRALIA
We recognise the important role that research plays as part of this, and facilitate MS studies through MS Research Australia (MSRA), the research arm of MS Australia. Each MS Society in Australia works closely and collaboratively with MSRA and provides funding towards MSRA’s research agenda. In the 2011–12 financial year MS Queensland contributed a total of $259,314 to MS research; 49.7% of this figure to the MS Clinic in Brisbane and 50.3% to MSRA.
FINDING AN MS CURE - WHY INVEST?
MS affects most people during their prime MS strikes when a person is at their most active, usually in their early 20’s with increasing professional, social and/or family responsibilities. MS is a costly disease. The total financial cost of MS to the community is estimated to be nearly $2 billion a year*. Here are some important reasons why we need to continue to invest in MS research:
Quality research is generating results: Australia's research strengths in MS research include:
- genetics research to identify the genes that may play a role in MS and influence relapses;
- large-scale population studies to identify environmental triggers of the disease; and
- clinical trials to assess the benefit of new treatments and therapies, with no less than a dozen trials currently underway in Australia.
An MS cure will be life changing for millions. A cure to MS will transform the lives of over 2.5 million people afflicted by MS around the world. For more information on the latest MS research projects occurring in Queensland and Australia MSRA click here.
Disclaimer: MS Queensland cannot recommend any specific disease treatments for people living with MS. The choice of therapy to treat the disease is a matter to be discussed with a specialist healthcare professional.
RESEARCH STRATEGY
MS Research Australia implements an informed scientific agenda to accelerate advances that will prevent, better treat and ultimately cure multiple sclerosis. The MSRA Scientific Agenda focuses on funding research that will increase our understanding of the biology driving MS and how to stop MS from triggering the disease, causing further damage and how to repair existing damage that can reverse disability. This is a medium to long-term strategy. It requires extensive funding, collaboration and coordination. Find out more about MSRA's research strategy by clicking here.
MSRA PROJECTS WE HELP FUND
Each year MSRA funds high quality MS research in universities and medical research institutes across Australia through project grants, scholarships and fellowships. For more information click here.
FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
MSRA annually offers financial support to Australian scientists in the effort to accelerate and increase MS research activity. MSRA partners with like-minded organisations including the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) and the Trish MS Research Foundation to leverage our funding and increase the number of opportunities available to researchers. For more information click here.
*Source: 2010 Access Economics Report
