The Northern Ireland MS Research Hub will allow for the development of a large-scale programme of MS research in Northern Ireland. Based at Queen’s University Belfast, the Hub will bring together a collaborative team of MS research experts, including neurologists, immunologists, ophthalmologists and neuroscientists.

The Hub has been made possible through funding from the MS Society and Queen’s University Belfast. And builds upon a legacy gift from the late Professor Dame Ingrid Allen, a global pioneer in MS research at Queen’s and an inspiration to the research team.

Caroline Millar, who was diagnosed with MS when she was just 25 years old, shares her experience of being involved in MS research, how research has developed since she was first diagnosed 38 years ago, and the hope offered by investment in research.

Caroline from Ballyclare says: “I am honoured to already be involved in MS research here at Queen’s. When I was first diagnosed there weren’t the same opportunities to get involved in research as there are now – I am very happy in recent years that has changed.

My first thought when I was invited to be involved in clinical trials was “why not!” I hoped if the progression of my MS could be halted or slowed, I could live a fulfilling life until I’m well over 100! Although, honestly, my main motivation for getting involved is it gives me the opportunity to help people who are newly diagnosed - giving my time for them is worthwhile and I am hopeful one day we will find a cure or even better stop MS completely!”

Northern Ireland has one of the highest rates of MS in the world, with more than 5,300 people living with the condition. It’s a neurological condition that is often painful, exhausting and can cause problems with how people walk, move, see, think and feel.

When asked about what the new MS Research Hub meant to her, Caroline continued: “I am thrilled that MS research is getting a much-needed boost in Northern Ireland. This is a great opportunity for people with MS to get directly involved in research and hopefully bring us one step closer to stopping MS altogether. Deep down this is something everyone in the MS community is hoping for, but without investment in research this can’t happen.”

Research at the Hub will build upon previous findings that show that in MS, the retina (the back of the eye) can become inflamed and lose nerve cells. The team will use cutting-edge technology to scan the retina in more detail than has ever been possible. This could provide faster, simpler ways to monitor how MS progresses, and how people with MS respond to treatments.

Professor Denise Fitzgerald, Principal Investigator and researcher from the Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine at Queen’s University Belfast explains: “This unprecedented opportunity to grow MS research in Northern Ireland is a team effort on all fronts – funders, researchers and people with MS all working together to tackle MS.

"We are leveraging Northern Ireland’s strengths in eye research and exciting innovations in healthcare and research to drive forward globally leading research to improve the lives of people affected by MS.”

Stewart Finn, Country Director at MS Society Northern Ireland says: “I am delighted the MS Society are supporting this work. The Northern Ireland MS Research Hub represents a major step forward for MS research, not only in Northern Ireland but globally. We are bringing together new knowledge, understanding and, ultimately, hope, and I am so pleased our local MS community will play their part. This is a good news story for Northern Ireland and beyond, and one that we are hopeful will bring us one step closer to stopping MS.”

Dr Emma Gray, Director of Research at the MS Society, says: “We are proud to be supporting the Northern Ireland MS Research Hub. The Hub will build capacity in MS research in Northern Ireland, bringing together researchers, doctors and the MS community to accelerate research and help stop MS.

“Their work exploring retinal changes could make it quicker and easier to track MS progression and see if treatments are working — which could help speed up clinical trials.”

Media

Media inquiries to Sian Devlin at s.devlin@qub.ac.uk