Canadian Researcher Joins International Progressive MS Alliance Scientific Steering Committee
Dr. V. Wee Yong joins as a representative for MS Canada.
MS Canada is pleased to announce that Dr. V. Wee Yong, one of Canada’s most esteemed leaders in the field of MS research, has been appointed as the representative for MS Canada on the International Progressive MS Alliance’s Scientific Steering Committee (SSC). The SSC is comprised of leading global MS scientists, experts and people affected by MS, and plays a pivotal role in setting priorities and developing strategic plans to accelerate treatment development for people living with progressive forms of MS. By funding transformational research and organizing scientific summits, the SSC fosters collaboration and knowledge-sharing across the scientific disciplines bringing the global MS community one step closer to a world free of MS.
Dr. Yong is a Professor at the University of Calgary in the Department of Clinical Neurosciences and Oncology. He is also the co-director of the Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Program of the Hotchkiss Brain Institute and has held the Canada Research Chair in Neuroimmunology. His research focuses on critical areas such as neuroimmunology, neuroprotection, and CNS regeneration—all of which directly impact the lives of people with MS.
As a mentor, Dr. Yong has supervised over 100 trainees, many of whom have gone on to become esteemed professors worldwide. His bench results have been translated into eight clinical trials and his extensive publication record comprising 410 manuscripts underscores his significant contributions to the field, with his work being cited over 42,000 times by other authors in scientific publications.
Dr. Yong’s dedication to the MS community extends beyond research. He served as the past chair of the Medical Advisory Committee of MS Canada, earning him the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Year Medallion in 2003 for his volunteer activities. He’s been the President of the International Society of Neuroimmunology and continues to co-direct its Americas and Global Schools. Additionally, Dr. Yong is an elected fellow of both the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences and the Royal Society of Canada, the highest honours for those working in the medical sciences and is a recipient of the Allyn Taylor International Prize in Medicine.
Dr. Yong’s membership to the SSC was formally approved by the Alliance’s Executive Committee on March 26. We eagerly anticipate witnessing his influential leadership as he brings his wealth of knowledge to the SSC. His representation of MS Canada is a testament to his commitment to advancing MS research and improving the lives of those affected by this disease.
About the International Progressive MS Alliance
The Alliance is an unprecedented global collaboration of MS organisations, researchers, health professionals, the pharmaceutical industry, companies, trusts, foundations, donors and people affected by progressive MS — working together to address the unmet needs of people with progressive MS.
As a founding member of the Alliance, MS Canada is committed to the Alliance’s mission to accelerate the development of effective treatments for people with progressive multiple sclerosis to improve quality of life worldwide.