Multiple Sclerosis Centre of Research Excellence (MS-CRE)

The Multiple Sclerosis Centre of Research Excellence (MS-CRE) is an NHMRC-funded national collaboration bringing together researchers, people living with MS, advocacy organisations and industry partners to address the highest research priority identified by the MS community: finding treatments that protect and repair the brain in progressive MS. The Centre's vision is to make MS a disease without disability.

Based within the MS Research Flagship, the MS-CRE combines expertise in neuroscience, genetics, bioinformatics, drug development and clinical trials to accelerate the discovery, evaluation and translation of new treatments for progressive MS. Alongside identifying potential therapies, researchers are working to discover and validate biomarkers that can better predict and monitor disease progression.

The MS-CRE has four scientific objectives.

1. Identify gene variants and molecular signals that drive dysfunction in central nervous system cells derived from people with MS.
2. Identify biomarkers that predict MS onset and progression.
3. Identify and evaluate potential drug treatments for progressive MS.
4. Translate potential drug treatments and biomarkers through biotechnology and clinical trial partnerships.

> Research objective updates (May 2026)

> Inside Research with Connections 2026 (May 2026)

The MS-CRE is committed to developing the next generation of MS research leaders and accelerating the translation of discoveries into better outcomes for people living with MS. Through scholarships, mentoring, innovation and travel awards, professional development opportunities, networking events and collaborative workshops, we are building a connected and skilled research community equipped to tackle the challenges of progressive MS.

Learn more about:

• PhD scholarships
• Innovation awards
• Travel awards

People living with MS, carers and community representatives play an important role in shaping the priorities and activities of the MS-CRE. Through our consumer and community involvement (CCI) program, we work in partnership with the MS community to ensure our research remains relevant, meaningful and focused on outcomes that matter most to people affected by MS.

Learn more about:

• Consumer and community involvement (CCI) program
• Research with Connections community event

The MS-CRE is led by Professor Kaylene Young and a multidisciplinary team of chief investigators from leading research institutions across Australia.

> Meet the leadership team

The MS-CRE also provides a unique environment for training, mentoring and developing the next generation of research leaders.