MS Frontiers

We're hosting our next MS Frontiers at the University of Edinburgh, on Thursday 18 and Friday 19 June 2026. 

On Wednesday 17 June  we’ll also be hosting an event for early career researchers. 

Registration is now closed.  

If you have any queries, please email us at [email protected] 

Our Scientific Steering Committee 

We're delighted to have 14 members of our Scientific Steering Committee helping us design an exciting scientific programme:

• Co-chair: Professor Anna Williams (University of Edinburgh)
• Co-chair: Dr Owain Howell (Swansea University)
• Alexander Mellor (University of Plymouth)
• Dr Amy Webster (Glasgow Caledonian University)
• Dr Ben Buckley (Liverpool John Moores University)
• Dr Donia Arafa (Trinity College Dublin)
• Dr Elaine Coulter (Glasgow Caledonian University)
• Dr Emma Tallantyre (Cardiff University)
• Joela Mathews (Barts Health Trust)
• Dr Jonathan Pansieri (University of Oxford)
• Dr Laura Smith (Queen Mary University of London)
• Dr Margareta Clarke (University of Nottingham)
• Dr Nicola Hamilton-Whitaker (King’s College London)
• Dr Ruoli Chen (University of Keele) 

We’re developing an exciting programme, and we’re pleased to be able to share the draft programme with provisional timings. 

Download the DRAFT MS Frontiers 2026 conference programme (PDF, 195KB)

We’ll continue to update this page and publish the final programme ahead of the conference. 

Keynote speakers: 

Our programme features leading researchers from the UK and overseas, including:  

• Professor Helen Tremlett (University of British Columbia) on the MS prodrome
• Professor Benedetta Bodini (Sorbonne University) on mechanisms of progression
• Professor Richard Reynolds (Imperial College London) delivering the Ian McDonald Memorial Lecture 

Parallel sessions: 

Throughout the conference you’ll also have a range of inspiring parallel sessions to attend:

• Emerging interventions in MS
• From inflammation to neurodegeneration and repair in MS
• MS beyond the central nervous system 
• (De)myelination and neuroglial interactions in MS
• Tracking MS
• Co-morbidities and lifestyle in MS

On Wednesday 17 June  we’ll be hosting an event from 2pm until 6pm for early career researchers (ECRs), with an optional evening social event. 

This is designed specifically to support those who are in the early stages of their career in MS research. You'll be brought together with other ECRs for learning, development, networking and collaboration. 

The programme is being developed by our ECR Network Steering Group. And more details will be shared shortly.  

Registration is now closed.

If you have any questions about the ECR Afternoon, you can email [email protected].  

Abstract submission is now closed. 

Abstract acceptance notices will be sent out by the end of April 2026. 

Registration is now closed.

Further details on our Eventbrite page 

Discounted tickets

Discounted tickets are also available to early career researchers and healthcare professionals (nurses, resident doctors and allied health professionals).  

Please note, the definition of early career researcher and health care professionals can vary between events. Our definitions: 

• Healthcare professionals include resident doctors, nurses and allied health professionals. 

• Early career researchers include those new to research, students (undergraduate & postgraduate), Early Career Fellows and Postdoctoral Researchers, including the clinical equivalent. 

Ticket prices

You must book your own accommodation for the conference. Accommodation is not included in the conference ticket price.

The conference runs from Thursday 18 June (registration from 8.30am) to Friday 19 June (finished by 1pm), with our ECR afternoon on Wednesday 17 June (registration from 1.30pm).

A limited number of on-site student/summer accommodation rooms at the University of Edinburgh will be available to book at a conference-discounted rate, offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

• Single occupancy en-suite rooms from £122 a night
• Twin rooms may be available for those wishing to share
• On-site hotels and local accommodation options will also be available

Full booking details and the accommodation link will be provided to delegates.

When booking, delegates will be able to include requests in a comments section, such as being placed near specific people or other conference attendees. Please note that the accommodation provider will not automatically know you are attending the MS Frontiers Conference unless this is clearly stated in the comments. 

Bursary applications is now closed. 

As part of our commitment to hosting inclusive events, we are delighted to be able to offer a limited number of bursaries to enable participation. Bursaries are available to support with: 

• Additional costs associated with disability
• Additional costs associated with caring responsibilities
• Costs of attendance for those who are not able to access funding from their institution  

These bursaries are not intended to replace the responsibility of your employer or institution to ensure an inclusive work environment and equal access to carer development opportunities. Or for costs which can be directly covered by the MS Society or conference venue.   

Please contact [email protected] for further information.

We don’t offer specific conference or travel bursaries, however, you may like to consider other funding options including from:  

• Your university
• Local neurological associations (e.g. SWENA, SENA, NENA) for clinical trainees
• Guarantors of Brain  
• British Neuropathology Society  
• The British Neuroscience Association
• The Society of British Neurological Surgeons
• The British Psychological Society