The 2025 Progress in MS Research Conference is Australia’s leading event on innovative MS research, bringing the global research and MS community to Brisbane this December to exchange ideas, foster collaboration, and share the latest updates.
A place where science meets community
At the heart of the program are the parallel community sessions, which reflect the close relationship between research and lived experience.
These sessions will run alongside the scientific program, offering research updates and information on support and local services. They will be delivered face-to-face and live-streamed for those unable to attend in person.
World-class speakers
Delegates will hear from a stellar line-up of keynote and plenary speakers, featuring both international and Australian leaders in MS and MS-related disease research and care:
- Professor Daniel Ontaneda – Professor of Neurology at the Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine and Director of Research at the Mellen Centre for Multiple Sclerosis. His work focuses on imaging outcome measures and imaging-based clinical trials in MS.
- Professor Romain Marignier – Neurologist and professor at the Neurological Hospital of Lyon, France, specialising in neuro-inflammatory disorders including NMOSD and MOGAD. He coordinates the French nationwide NOMADMUS cohort and biobank.
- Professor Rajiv Khanna – Distinguished Scientist at QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute and Co-Director of the Queensland Immunology Research Centre. He is internationally recognised for his expertise in immunotherapy, herpesvirus immunology and vaccine development.
- Professor Anne-Louise Ponsonby – Epidemiologist and public health physician, Head of Neuroepidemiology at the Florey Institute. Her research has linked environmental and biological factors to MS and other neurological conditions.
- Associate Professor Sudarshini Ramanathan – Neurologist and head of the Translational Neuroimmunology Group at the University of Sydney. She leads research into autoimmune neurological disorders and advances precision medicine approaches.
- Professor Jeannette Lechner-Scott – Senior neurologist at John Hunter Hospital and Professor at the University of Newcastle. Widely recognised for her leadership in MS research and care, she received MS Australia’s 2024 MS Research Award.
- Jodi Haartsen – Neurosciences Nurse Practitioner and Brain Improvement and Innovation Lead at Alfred Health, with more than 25 years of experience in brain health, MS nursing and neurological care.
In addition to these scientific leaders, equally important is the inclusion of lived experience voices alongside the scientific program, with speakers sharing personal perspectives that bring the science into sharp human focus. Among them are:
- Janine Watson – Paralympian and member of MS Australia’s Lived Experience Expert Panel, sharing her personal journey with MS and the lessons she brings from sport and advocacy.
- Rachel Kerr – MS advocate and community leader from Rockhampton, Queensland, co-founder of the Central Queensland MS Swimathon and recipient of MS Australia’s 2023 John Studdy Award for her outstanding contribution to the MS community.
Together, these speakers reflect the strength of combining world-class research with lived experience to drive progress in MS.
Conference keynote themes
The keynote program is built around themes that reflect the most pressing challenges and opportunities in MS research and care today.
Across the three days, speakers will explore:
- NMOSD, MOGAD and rare neuroimmunology disorders – examining what these conditions can teach us about MS and related diseases
- MS through the ages – from childhood and pregnancy to ageing, how MS impacts people across the lifespan
- Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) and MS – unpacking the latest evidence on the link between EBV and the onset of MS
- Brain health interventions – highlighting a shift in focus toward lifestyle, prevention, and whole-of-life wellbeing
These themes cut across disciplines, bringing together laboratory science, clinical research, and lived experience to shape the future of MS research and care.
The value of connection
Alongside keynote lectures and abstract presentations, delegates will take part in poster sessions, panel discussions, and community-focused conversations on symptom management, mental health, support and local services.
Just as valuable are the informal exchanges that spark collaborations – over coffee, in the corridors, or at the lively Wine & Cheese poster evening and Conference Dinner.
Registration now open for MS Research Conference in Brisbane, Australia
Registration is available for researchers, health professionals, students, and members of the MS community.
Whether you are joining us in Brisbane or tuning in from overseas, the online pass provides an affordable way to access the community sessions streamed on Friday, 5 December.
Why attend?
The 2025 Progress in MS Research Conference is a chance to gain global insights, connect with peers, and hear directly from the people driving change. It is also an opportunity to celebrate the collaborative spirit that underpins MS research in Australia and internationally.
We look forward to welcoming you to Brisbane.
Register now to be part of the 2025 Progress in MS Research Conference.
Blog courtesy of MS Research Conference, a Patient Community Day Supporting Partner.