Multiple Sclerosis Centre of Research Excellence

The vision of the Multiple Sclerosis Centre of Research Excellence (MS-CRE) is to make MS a disease without disability.

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.

The MS-CRE will harness the power of interdisciplinary teams across neuroscience, genetics, bioinformatics, drug development, and clinical trials to fast track the discovery and evaluation of drug treatments for progressive MS. We will work in collaboration with academic, industry, not for profit and consumer partners to rapidly disseminate and translate our findings to the scientific and MS communities.

At our Research with Connections 2026 community event, MS-CRE researchers shared progress updates on each of the Centre’s four scientific objectives.

Featured below is Dr William Reay’s presentation on Objective 3: Using information from our genes to identify potential treatments for multiple sclerosis progression.

To watch all presentations from the event, visit the MS-CRE YouTube playlist

The MS-CRE will train and develop the next generation of research leaders by providing a range of opportunities including.

• PhD scholarships
• Mentoring program
• Consumer and community involvement (CCI) program
• Scientific advisory committee
• Innovation awards
• Training, travel and internship awards
• MS symposium
• Research with connections, community event
• Clinical trial design workshops
• Strategy days
• Translation and communication support

The MS-CRE team is led by Professor Kaylene Young in partnership with nine chief investigators, pictured above.

(L-R front row) - Professor Kaylene Young, Dr Yuan Zhou, Ms. Chris Gumley.

(L-R back row) - Associate Professor Brad Sutherland, Professor Bruce Taylor, Professor Ingrid van der Mei, Ms. Natasha Stevens.

(L-R front insert) - Professor Leonid Churilov, Associate Professor Jake Gratten, Dr William Reay.