The congress featured a scientific and clinical programme which included presentations on therapeutic advances, genetics and epidemiology. Some of the news from the research presented at the event can be found in the other sections of Making Connections.


The MSIF research alumni drinks reception. From left to right, Helen Tremlett, Canada, with Sarah Finch, MSIF Publications Manager.

Exhibitors at the congress included MSIF, the European MS Platform (EMSP) and the German MS Society, DMSG. MSIF and EMSP also held fringe meetings at the event. MSIF’s research alumni drinks reception on 9 September 2009 was an opportunity for recipients of MSIF’s research awards to share their work with representatives from the MSIF International Medical and Scientific Board and MSIF staff, Peer Baneke, CEO, Sarah Finch, Publications Manager, and Helen Regan, Advocacy and Communications Manager. The evening was introduced by Sarah Philips, UK (MSIF Chairman), and Alan Thompson, UK, (Chairman, MSIF International Medical and Scientific Board), and featured presentations by Dr Andrea Mike, Hungary, Camilla Reali, Italy, Amir Hadi Maghzi, Iran, and Dr Olga Ciccarelli, Italy.


Prof Chris Polman presents the award to Prof John Prineas.

MSIF’s prestigious Charcot Award and new Young Investigators’ Award were given out at the event. Prof John Prineas, Australia, was handed MSIF’s Charcot Award by Prof Chris Polman, Netherlands, (Deputy Chairman, MSIF International Medical and Scientific Board), before his Charcot lecture on Friday 11 September 2009.


Prof Alastair Compston, previous MSIF Charcot Award winner with Prof John Prineas, current Charcot Award winner

Volker Siffrin, Germany, won the Young Investigators' Award for the most translational project for his "Intravital imaging TH17-mediated neuronal damage processes in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis" presentation.


Dr Olga Ciccarelli presents the award to Volker Siffrin

To find out more about MSIF's Charcot award click here.

For more information about ECTRIMSclick here.