Hot topics in MS research: our take on the 2022 MS Australia Scientific conference

L-R: Ms Pia Campagna, Dr Michael Zhong

Ms Pia Campagna and Dr Michael Zhong

Michael and I are third year PhD students in the Multiple Sclerosis and Neuroimmunology (MSNI) Genomics and Prognostics Group, led by Dr Vilija Jokubaitis. We recently attended the 2022 Progress in MS Research Scientific Conference in Hobart, convened by Prof. Helmut Butzkueven, Head of the Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School to present some of our work with academic peers and the wider non-academic community. 

The conference was organised by the peak national organisation for MS research, MS Australia. It has become a key forum for researchers and clinicians to come together and learn about the latest research happening around Australia, with the aim of stimulating innovative research and encouraging collaborations. 

Multiple Sclerosis and immunisation

Vaccination for people with MS needs to be planned: MJA.
Image: Shutterstock

The immunisation status of patients newly diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) must not be overlooked when beginning treatment with immunomodulatory or immunosuppressive disease-modifying therapies (DMTs), according to the authors of a Perspective published 19 April by the Medical Journal of Australia.

“Determining immunisation status when commencing DMTs is key, as is an individualised approach to risk–benefit assessment when considering vaccinations,” wrote the authors, led by Dr Cassie Nesbitt, a neurologist at Alfred Health in Melbourne.

Congratulations to Associate Professor Anneke van der Walt on MSNI appointment

Associate Professor Anneke van der Walt

Prof Terry O'Brien, Head of School,  writes:

 Dear CCS Staff, Adjuncts and Students,

It is with great pleasure and pride that I can inform you that A/Prof Anneke Van Der Walt has been appointed to the joint Alfred/Monash appointment as Director Multiple Sclerosis Neuroimmunology Unit (MSNI), Alfred Brain, Alfred Health, and Associate Professor of Neuroscience, The Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University. 

This is a key academic clinical leadership position for clinical neurosciences at Monash and The Alfred. A/Prof van der Walt will be responsible for clinical and research leadership, and ongoing strategic development, of the MSNI Unit at Alfred Health and Monash University. She is an outstanding clinical neurologist and researcher, with a national and emerging international reputation for her research in the fields of multiple sclerosis, neuroimmunology and neuro-ophthalmology. 

Welcome to Jacinta Opie, Multiple Sclerosis Neuro Immunology Unit!

Welcome to Ms Jacinta Opie, who has just joined the Multiple Sclerosis Neuro Immunology (MSNI) Unit with Helmut Butzkueven's group. Jacinta is a Senior Research Project Manager responsible for a project investigating markers of progression in MS, part of the MSBase Registry. She has more than 20 years’ experience across the public, private and International health sectors in operational and project management. She also has experience across areas including change management, leading key stakeholder engagement, contract management and clinical advisory with a specific interest in innovation and research.