MS Symposium, Beaker Street & new studies— Catch up on research highlights, community events, and how to get involved with the Flagship.
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Menzies Institute for Medical Research
MS Research Flagship
Newsletter
September 2025
The MS Research Flagship is a Flagship program of the Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, and was established from a long history of multiple sclerosis (MS) research at Menzies. Menzies has proudly been at the forefront of research advancements in MS for more than 30 years.
IN THE COMMUNITY
Beaker Street Festival 2025
Described as 'a new model of science engagement' with a generous dose of Tassie charm, Beaker Street Festival in August is a highlight of the MS Research Flagship's community engagement calendar.
Scientists in the Pub
Our researchers swapped the lab for the (pub) lounge room when Scientists in the Pub took over Hobart watering holes The Whaler and Hope & Anchor, bringing science to the people in a relaxed setting.
Among the crowd were 'roving scientists' Himanshu Saraswat, Angela Nicoli and Surbhi Agarwal from the Flagship, easily spotted in their signature red lab coats. They sparked conversations with curious locals on everything from neuroscience and electrophysiology to genetics and MS.
"It was such a privilege—and a lot of fun—to share my excitement for science with the public. I was amazed by how interested everyone was, and it reinforced how valuable it is to just sit down and chat about what we do," said Angela.
Angela Nicoli (centre) and Himanshu Saraswat (far right) from the MS Research Flagship with fellow roving scientists outside The Whaler.
Beaker Street Festival's information booth after dark.
Angela Nicoli chats to a punter about her research.
CoLab
Also part of Beaker Street Festival is CoLab, an experiment that pairs Year 9-12 art students with research scientists, with the goal of inspiring new artworks that communicate scientific concepts. The students collaborate with the scientists, including visiting their labs or field sites, and go on to create an artwork inspired by the scientific research. The artworks are then exhibited at the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery during the festival.
The Flagship's Dr Roisin Moloney, who was paired with two students through CoLab, described it as a brilliant experience.
"Watching the students interpret complex scientific ideas through their own creative lens was inspiring and shared the research in a different light. One of the most rewarding aspects was seeing how the project sparked interest in science among students who might not have considered it before. By engaging with science in a hands-on, imaginative way, they began to see it as something accessible and exciting. Seeing the final artworks exhibited at the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery was fantastic too!" said Dr Moloney.
'The Starry Mind' by Freyja Ireland Howard, Roisin's student collaborator.
Detail from artwork by student Amor Schofield, inspired by Roisin's research.
U3A Kingborough
It's always a pleasure to connect with members of U3A (University of the Third Age), a community-based, volunteer-run organisation for people with a focus on lifelong learning.
In July, the Flagship's Dr Bennet McComish had the opportunity to visit with U3A's Kingborough group and share his work in evolutionary medicine—how natural selection has shaped the genetics of autoimmune diseases, especially MS. Thank you for your hospitality U3A Kingborough!
Dr Bennet McComish (centre) with U3A Kingborough members
IT'S A WRAP
MS Symposium
The MS Research Flagship's annual MS Symposium in August, organised by our talented early to mid-career researchers (EMCRs), was packed with fresh ideas, inspiring speakers, and vibrant discussion.
Held on-site at Menzies, the event featured research showcase presentations from EMCRs across the Flagship and Centre of Research Excellence (CRE). These were complemented by thought-provoking keynotes from Associate Professor Justin Rubio (The Florey) and Professor Jana Vukovic (The University of Queensland). The MS Symposium fostered engagement with our interstate CRE partners and collaborators and local community members.
A highlight? The dynamic panel session, where researchers and MS community members came together for a lively exchange of perspectives.
Thanks to everyone who made the day such a success!
Symposium organisers Dr Roisin Moloney (far left) and Dr Xin Lin (far right) with keynote speakers Prof Jana Vukovic and Assoc Prof Justin Rubio
Our panelists (L-R) Assoc Prof Rubio, Prof Vukovic, Prof Bruce Taylor, Lynda Hanlon and Anna Ritchie
Funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council, MS Centre of Research Excellence at Menzies.
CONSUMER & COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT IN RESEARCH
MS Research Flagship receives national recognition for CCI excellence
We are delighted that the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) and the Consumers Health Forum of Australia have chosen to feature the MS Research Flagship's Consumer & Community Reference Committee (C&CRC) as an example of excellence in consumer and community involvement (CCI) in health and medical research.
We know that the different perspectives and lived experiences that consumers bring to research improves its quality, relevance and impact, and we’re incredibly proud to be recognised for our strong commitment and leadership in this space.
Congratulations to our C&CRC members, past and present, on this well-deserved recognition, and our heartfelt thanks to all the consumers and community members who contribute to our research.
The Flagship's C&CRC today: (back row standing, L-R) Mark Jablonski, Bridie Phillips, Chris Gumley, Rowena Auchterlonie, Lynda Hanlon, Esther Pregnell, Anna Ritchie, Rohan Grant; (front row) Sean O'Moore, Sarah McGuire, Thomas Henker, Julia Henker. Absent: Angela Land, Caitlin Pilbeam
More information
🌐 Access the full case study on the NHMRC website.
🌐 Find out more about CCI at the MS Research Flagship.
ENROL TODAY
Free online course
Understanding Multiple Sclerosis is an award-winning course that improves understanding and awareness of MS.
Throughout the course you’ll hear from researchers, clinicians and lived experience experts on a range of topics including MS biology and pathology, diagnosis, symptoms, disease management and more.
More than 50,000 people from 170+ countries have enrolled in this free course to date, so why not join them!
- Opens: 8th September
- Duration: 6 weeks
- Effort: 2 hours per week
- Cost: FREE
Understanding MS is supported by MS Plus, MS Australia and the Medical Research Future Fund.
GET INVOLVED
Patient Community Day
Unite with global experts and other individuals living with MS at Patient Community Day on 26 September.
Hosted by the European Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ECTRIMS) and supported by the MS Research Flagship, this event promises empowering insights, engaging Q&A sessions, and the opportunity to shape the conversation through the #ECTRIMS4me campaign.
Don't miss out – secure your spot today for this FREE online and onsite event!
MS Stem Biobank
MS Stem is a biobank of human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) lines, derived
from people living with and without MS.
The biobank provides researchers with fully characterised iPSC lines from well
phenotyped and genotyped individuals. This provides a unique opportunity to
research the pathophysiology of MS in human cell models or conduct preclinical
screening of putative therapeutics.
The iPSCs will be made available (cost-recovery basis) to national and international researchers for the purpose of non-commercial research only.
Collaborate with us today and together we can help progress MS research.
RESEARCH TEAM SPOTLIGHT
MS Genetics Study
Our MS genetics study ‘GEMS’ is a major Australian research project aiming to improve how we diagnose, treat, and possibly prevent MS.
Backed by $2 million in government funding, GEMS is a truly collaborative study, bringing together experts from Menzies, University of Queensland and QIMR Berghofer in Australia and the Genome Institute of Singapore. Members of the GEMS team at Menzies are pictured below.
The study is exploring how genetics and the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), a common virus linked to higher MS risk, contribute to MS. The team’s researchers are studying saliva and blood samples from people with and without MS to find genetic markers and EBV strains that may increase MS risk.
By identifying these markers, the team hopes to develop simple tests to detect MS earlier and predict how it might progress. Its researchers also use advanced techniques to find molecules in the blood (called biomarkers) that signal the presence or progression of MS. These discoveries could lead to more personalised treatments and better clinical trials.
Menzies-based GEMS team members. Back row (L-R) Natasha Stevens, Professor Bruce Taylor, Dr Yuan Zhou, Ziman Guan, Liyang Xu, Penny Khaledi, Anna Ritchie, Dr Nicholas Blackburn; Front row (L-R) Mobarok Hossain, Eleanor Sabey, Julia Henker, Dr Chhavi Asthana, Viv Jones, Rachel Clemons, Dr Xin Lin
Small sample, big impact
The GEMS team is urgently seeking volunteers with and without MS to participate by completing a short screening survey, providing saliva samples (in person or by mail) and an optional blood sample.
To find out if you're eligible, complete our screening survey.
This study is approved by the University of Tasmania Human Research Ethics Committee, H0027273 (H-85821) and funded by the Australian Government, Medical Research Future Fund and National Health and Medical Research Council.
RECRUITING NOW
MS Sleep Study
Our researchers are looking for adults living with MS to participate in a sleep study.
Participation involves:
- Wearing an activity monitor (a research-grade FitBit)
- Recording your sleep and MS symptoms for 3 weeks
Funded by Menzies Institute for Medical Research
The Australian MS Longitudinal Study
The Australian MS Longitudinal Study (AMSLS) is a survey-based research study that collects real life data from people living with MS. The data is used by policy makers and medical and support services to improve health outcomes for people living with MS.
For the data to have the most impact, the AMSLS needs as many participants as possible. So help create positive change by joining the AMSLS today.
The AMSLS is a partnership between Menzies Institute for Medical Research and MS Australia.
AWARDS & ACCOLADES
Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences (AAHMS) Mentorship Program
Professor Kaylene Young has been selected as a mentee in the nationally competitive AAHMS Mentorship Program. As part of the three-year program, Professor Young will join the Academy as an Associate Member and receive independent advice and support in career development, succession planning and leadership from an experienced mentor. She'll also contribute to the Academy’s work, including its policy initiatives.
MS Australia Incubator Grants
- Dr Alastair Fortune to support his study 'Are brain vascular cells dysfunctional in MS?
- Dr Laura Laslett to help answer the question 'Is using smart watches and symptom tracker apps feasible and acceptable?' for sleep research.
🎙️Dr Laslett talks about her research project on MS Australia's The Raw Nerve podcast episode 2025 Incubator Grants: Novel research helping solve the MS puzzle.
MS Centre of Research Excellence Innovation Awards
- Dr Alastair Fortune (Menzies) and Dr Tyra Fraser (The Florey) for their study 'Uncovering the high impact of high-risk MS genetic variants using human myelinating organoids'
- Dr Xin Lin (Menzies) for his project 'Defining novel immuno-peptidomic signatures of MS in a treatment naive cohort from the GEMS study'
MS Centre of Research Excellence Travel Awards
- Dr Jessica Fletcher, Dr Roisin Moloney, Jake Cashion and Rachel Clemons
Professor Kaylene Young
Dr Tyra Fraser and Professor Kaylene Young
Professor Kaylene Young and Dr Xin Lin
MS Centre of Research Excellence awards are funded Funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council
HOT OFF THE PRESS
How pericytes may influence MS development and progression
The MS Research Flagship's Dr Alastair Fortune and his team have discovered that a type of cell in the brain called pericytes may play a key role in MS. Pericytes help regulate blood flow in the brain by squeezing and relaxing vessels and maintain the blood–brain barrier, which protects the brain from harmful substances. In this study, researchers used stem cells to create pericytes from people with relapsing-onset MS and compared them to those from people without MS.
They found that MS pericytes were larger and less able to contract in response to signals that normally help control blood flow. This dysfunction was more pronounced in people from a family with a high incidence of MS. Interestingly, correcting two rare genetic variants carried by this family did not fix the problem, indicating that multiple genes are involved.
Despite their reduced contractility, MS pericytes still responded to environmental triggers like myelin debris, low oxygen (hypoxia), and inflammation. Interestingly, when pericytes are exposed to inflammation, as they are in MS, the pericytes contracted more strongly and for longer periods. This would reduce blood flow to MS lesions and likely impair brain health.
This research highlights pericytes as potential contributors to MS onset and progression, and suggests that improving blood flow regulation could be a new therapeutic target.
More information
🌐 Access the full study
This research was supported by grants from the Medical Research Future Fund, the National Health and Medical Research Council, MS Australia and the Irene Phelps Charitable Trust.
NEW FACES
A warm welcome to the following team members who joined the MS Research Flagship earlier in 2025 — we're thrilled to have you on board!
Ruby Dean is a Bachelor of Medical Research Honours student, currently working under the supervision of Dr Jessica Fletcher and Surbhi Agarwal in the Glial Cell Signalling lab. Ruby is aiming to determine the effects of deleting anti-inflammatory regulators on MS disease progression and pathology.
Ruby Dean
Ziman Guan is a PhD student supervised by Dr Yuan Zhou and Dr Xin Lin and mentored by Associate Professor Corey Smith at QIMR Berghofer in Queensland. Ziman's research uses multi-omics to study how Epstein-Barr virus affects the immune system in people with MS, with the goal of finding new treatment targets.
Ziman Guan
Jia Yi Hoe is a PhD student working with Dr Jessica Fletcher. Jia is studying oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs) and their role in synaptic refinement in brain regions linked to learning and memory. She's also exploring how phagocytosis affects OPC's ability to support myelination, aiming to inform therapies to promote remyelination in MS.
Jia Yi Hoe
Mobarok Hossain is a PhD student supervised by Dr Yuan Zhou. His research explores how Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) may increase MS risk, using advanced genomics and single-cell techniques to find virus-related genetic changes. His goal is to uncover how EBV contributes to MS and gain novel insights into disease mechanisms and therapeutic targets.
Md Mobarok Hossain
Liyang Xu is a first year PhD student at Menzies working with Professor Bruce Taylor and Dr Yuan Zhou. Liyang aims to use multi-omic data to investigate the precise intervention and pathway of MS.
Liyang Xu
MS RESEARCH FLAGSHIP IN NUMBERS
Published studies
In 2025 to date 44 papers by MS Research Flagship authors have been published in peer-reviewed journals.
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The success of the MS Research Flagship at Menzies has been made possible thanks to support from people like you. Please give now so that we can continue our world class, consumer driven research that translates to better health outcomes for our community.
