HIGHLIGHT: Early Career Researchers Pushing MS Research Forward in Canada
Canada is home to one of the strongest MS research communities in the world, producing some of the most advanced research to improve the lives of those affected by MS. We’re committed to maintaining this momentum by supporting researchers – whether they’re in the early stages of graduate school or conducting research as an independent investigator – through our funding programs. Thanks to the generousity of our donors, sponsors, and fundraisers, we’ve invested over $218 million dollars in research since 1948.
We’re excited to share with you some of the up-and-coming researchers who are advancing research across our four impact goals – enhance wellbeing, prevent MS, understand and halt disease progression, and advance treatment and care (see the full list of funded projects from the 2024-2025 Annual Research Competition here.)
Enhance Well-Being
Dr. Sarah Donkers, Associate Professor, University of Saskatchewan
Dr. Sarah Donkers and her team will determine the challenges and needs of healthcare providers across Canada when it comes to supporting physical activity for people living with MS. Their goal is to create an accessible toolkit for healthcare providers to prescribe physical activity for people with MS. This research will provide resources to encourage more people living with MS to stay active and improve their overall well-being.
“I always say, yes, everyone wants a cure (for MS), but I am focusing on how we can maximize quality of life and independence, and minimize the impact of neurological impairments on individuals living with MS.”
Learn more about her research – here. This research is funded in partnership with Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation and MS Canada.
Prevent MS
Dr. Anastassia Voronova, Assistant Professor, University of Alberta
Dr. Anastassia Voronova and her team will look at how certain genetic factors related to MS, like the CX3CR1 gene variant, interact with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection, a leading environmental risk factor for MS. By exploring this interaction, the team aims to better understand how these genetic and environmental factors work together to contribute to MS disease onset and progression. This research will help us gain deeper insights into how MS develops and progresses.
“One of the big questions in the MS field is how to promote remyelination (process during which myelin is re-added to nerve fibres). To answer this question, we need to ask a series of smaller, yet equally important questions. When you look at it from this perspective, you realize that every advancement is a step closer to answering that big question. MS researchers, including myself, are answering these vital questions every day. Through these answers, which you can call discoveries or breakthroughs, we learn more about MS disease onset, progression and recovery. I am inspired by the resilience and incredible spirit of people affected by MS, the work done in my lab by my trainees and work of my colleagues. I firmly believe that together we can end MS. “
Learn more about her research – here.
Dr. Parisa Shooshtari, Assistant Professor, Western University
Dr. Parisa Shooshtari and her team aim to characterize the genetic mechanisms in specific immune cells that may lead to MS. This research will provide insights into the contribution of genetics and specific immune cells in the earliest events that lead to MS, laying the groundwork for future studies.
“Through my research, I hope to contribute to a better understanding of the biological mechanisms of MS. By identifying key factors involved in the development and progression of MS, we aim to pave the way for more targeted and effective treatments. Ultimately, I aspire to provide insights that will lead to improved outcomes and quality of life for people living with MS.”
Learn more about her research – here.
Understand and Halt Disease Progression
Dr. Carlos Camara-Lemarroy, Assistant Professor, University of Calgary
Dr. Carlos Camara-Lemarroy and his team aim to study the small intestine microbiome, which includes microorganisms like bacteria and fungi in the gut that support immune health. Using a new technique, they will compare the small intestine microbiome of people with MS and healthy individuals, as well as people with different types of MS (progressive vs relapsing-remitting MS), to see if any observed differences play a role in MS development. The findings from this study will further our understanding of the gut microbiome in MS and may help identify new treatment targets.
“I enjoy the discovery, coming up with hypotheses and testing them, thinking outside the box, and the potential for finding new therapies.”
Learn more about his research – here.
Advance Treatment and Care
Dr. Ehsan Karim, Assistant Professor, University of British Columbia
Dr. Ehsan Karim and his team will use a new machine learning tool (high-dimensional propensity score) to more clearly capture how disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) affect the health and lifespan of people living with MS in Canada. This research will lead to a better understanding of the long-term effects of DMTs and allow for more informed decision making by healthcare providers and people with MS on their treatment plan.
“My interest in MS research is motivated by the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those affected by this disease. What inspires me is the potential impact my research can have on improving MS healthcare outcomes and policy. I believe that developing accurate and effective methods for analyzing large-scale administrative healthcare databases can provide valuable insights into clinical issues and guide treatment decisions. “
Learn more about his research – here.
We are proud to support exceptional MS researchers who are advancing our understanding and knowledge of MS. Learn more about Canadian researchers who are leading studies supported by us.
Want to learn more about MS research and the latest developments in the field? Check out Your Guide to Exploring MS Research for ways to stay informed!
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