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MS Research Network debuts at the Transforming Health Symposium 

The Faculty of Medicine organized its inaugural Transforming Health Symposium on November 4, 2024, where the MS Research Network showcased its goals across the translational pipeline through a panel discussion and an exhibitor booth, featuring engaging activities to encourage interaction and spark interest. Research Network Manager, Dr. Neha Manjari Akella and Translational Research Manager, Dr. Alice Lau engaged with attendees during the symposium, guiding them through the booth. 

The panel titled “Elevating Regional Capacity for Translational Medicine in Neurological & Autoimmune Diseases” was moderated by Dr. Tony Traboulsee, included MS (Dr. Shannon Kolind), neurology (Drs. Lynn Raymond, Erik Pioro), cell therapy experts (Dr. Florian Kuchenbauer) and a patient partner (Suzanne Cummings). It addressed opportunities and challenges in translating foundational discoveries into clinical treatments, the role of basic research in driving therapeutic innovation to move towards patient-centered research and longer-term sustainability pathways. The event helped raise awareness and brand recognition for the MS Research Network and its goals to advance cell therapies for MS and autoimmune diseases. 

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Immuno-Engineer recruitment update

We are delighted to welcome Dr. Yanpu He, Assistant Professor, School of Biomedical Engineering who is the first of three strategic recruitments that are part of the MS Research Network.  

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Innovator spotlight

Read Dr. He's Faculty profile

Funding opportunities

• CSL Behring Research Acceleration Initiative 2025  

• CANSTAT Clinical Trials Fellowship Program 

• SCN-Mitacs Industry-Based Internship Program 2025-2026 

All opportunities

Events

• ACTRIMS 
  Date: Feb 27- Mar 1, 2025 Location: West Palm Beach 

• American Academy of Neurology Annual Meeting 
  Date: Apr 5 – 9, 2025 Location: San Diego 

All events

Trainee resources

• MS Connect Education Program – Weekly MS rounds for medical and research students, residents, and fellows, plus travel awards and summer internships. Contact: Michelle Eisner 

• SBME Propels – Seminars, workshops and panels focused on innovation, career paths, professional skills, and leadership. 

• ImmunoT – research cluster advancing immunotherapeutics through partnerships between scientists, healthcare, and industry. 

• Academy of Translational Medicine – Collaborative hub accelerating biomedical translation, offering micro-courses in regulatory affairs, innovation leadership and entrepreneurship. 

Fast facts

• Explore a few prestigious awards from 2024 that recognized outstanding contributions in MS research. Learn about the awardees and their research through the links. 

  • Prize for Women’s Research in MS 
  • Giants of MS Award (Neurology) recipient Dr. Jeffery A. Cohen 
  • Sobek Foundation Award
     
• The Pathways to a Cure Roadmap, first published in 2022, was recently updated to reflect current advancements in MS research, outlining strategies for prevention, treatment, and cures. 
   
• The HDRN Canada Pragmatic Trials Training Program offers open-access modules on pragmatic trial design and implementation—also available on our website under Resources. 

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