MS Ireland launches exciting new research report

This year, MS Ireland marked World MS Day by launching an exciting new report designed to put the country at the forefront of global MS research, innovation and therapeutic application.

The report aims to support researchers and provide people with MS and the public with a better understanding of the research process and ongoing research. Some of the recommendations include the establishment of an MS Research Community, improved data and information sharing, greater involvement of people living with MS, potential funding models, and improved dissemination of research findings. MS Ireland hopes that the community will help overcome obstacles to research such as gathering samples, establishing a biobank and a patient register.

The report sets out a number of key asks, including:

• Creation of a Facebook Workplace platform where researchers can contact each other, share information and seek opportunities for collaboration
• Establishment of a Public Patient Involvement (PPI) network of people with MS who researchers can contact for assistance with designing studies and grant applications
• Raise awareness with researchers that MS Ireland is available to partner on funding applications
  Seek opportunities with academia and industry to establish an MS registry
• Increasing state investment in medical research, including increasing funding for the Medical Research Charities Group and the Health Research Board Joint Funding Scheme for medical research charities
• Establishment of an MS patient registry and the development of a national policy framework and infrastructure for the development and maintenance of patient registries
• Prioritising implementation of The Health Information & Patient Safety Bill and The Human Tissue Bill

To view the report, click here.