Search our research projects

You can search our research projects by name on this page or filter by interest.

Research projects

Type of MS

Type of MS
Advanced MS
Clinically isolated syndrome (CIS)
Primary progressive MS
Secondary progressive MS
Relapsing MS

Research area

Research area
Immunomodulation
Genes
Infection
Myelin repair
Neuroprotection
Stem cells
Vitamin D

Research focus

Research focus
Care and services
Cause and prevention
Symptom management
Treatment and therapies

Sort by:

Date (newest first)
Relevance
Page title (A-Z)
Page title (Z-A)

When and why does the menstrual cycle worsen MS?

Many people with MS say their symptoms feel worse in the days leading up to and during their period. But despite this, little is known about how the hormones involved in the menstrual cycle.

New MRI markers of MS progression

We currently monitor MS progression based on relapses and appearance of new areas of damage (known as ‘lesions’) on MRI scans. But we know that some people with MS will experience worsening disability despite no new lesions or relapses.

Regulation of immune cells in MS

In MS, the immune system attacks the brain and spinal cord. And different types of immune cells are involved. Two of the main culprits are T cells and B cells.

Can blood markers be used to predict disability in progressive MS?

Researchers have identified some promising markers in the blood that can predict MS progression.

Can doctors use artificial intelligence in MRI scans to help people with MS?

There are tools which use artificial intelligence (AI) to help doctors to analyse MRI. Previous research with these tools has shown they're highly effective at identifying subtle lesions.

Doctoral Training Centre in symptom management: using digital health therapeutics to treat MS symptoms

The Doctoral Training Centre at King’s College London will focus on how we can use digital health interventions to treat MS symptoms.

Doctoral Training Centre in symptom management: physical activity for symptom and disease management in MS

The Doctoral Training Centre at Glasgow Caledonian University focuses on exercise and physical activity for people with moderate to severe MS.

How can an online programme work best to help people with MS stay in work?

Optimising access to vocational rehabilitation services for people with MS through MS charities

How does progressive MS compare to other neurological conditions?

Characterising molecular features of neurodegeneration in progressive multiple sclerosis

Can a protein involved in inflammation benefit myelin repair?

Investigating NLRP3 and inflammasomes as targets for MS treatments

How can the Mas receptor affect myelin repair?

Understanding the role of the Mas receptor when myelin is lost in conditions like MS

Could a local social media hub help newly diagnosed people manage their MS?

A locally-tailored social media hub for MS self-management in newly diagnosed people living with MS

DELIVER-MS Extension: comparing initial treatment approaches

DELIVER-MS stands for: Determining the Effectiveness of earLy Intensive Versus Escalation approaches for Relapsing-remitting Multiple Sclerosis

Does a protein called survivin reduce myelin production?

Researchers think a protein called survivin might work against our natural ability to repair myelin.

Using MRI to investigate the mechanisms of sodium build-up in MS

Sodium plays a number of key roles in the body. The sodium levels in our brain are very tightly regulated. But in MS the levels can be elevated. And this increase in sodium is connected to higher levels of disability and progressive forms of MS.

Risk factors for conditions of the heart and blood vessels in people with MS

People with MS have a higher risk of heart and blood vessel conditions compared to people that don’t have MS. But we don’t yet know what risk factors contribute to someone with MS being more likely to have these conditions.

How does a “molecular motor” affect risk and progression of MS?

Recently, a gene called KIF21B was linked to increased susceptibility to MS. This project will help to understand the role KIF21B plays in MS risk and in MS progression.

The eye as a window to brain inflammation in MS

There’s a type of inflammation called compartmentalised inflammation. Researchers now want to test if compartmentalised inflammation also develops in the back of the eye, called the retina.

Could changes in DNA during pregnancy affect MS relapses?

People with MS who become pregnant sometimes experience fewer relapses, and researchers don’t yet understand why. By understanding how pregnancy can sometimes lead to a reduction in relapses for people with MS, researchers can better understand why an immune attack happens.

Can special proteins promote myelin repair in MS?

If we can repair myelin in the brain and spinal cord, we might be able to slow or stop MS progression. But there are currently no licensed treatments that can boost myelin repair.

Join the Research Network

Our Research Network make sure all the research we fund reflects the needs and interests of people living with MS. And they help us talk about it in a way that’s accessible to everyone.

Anyone who lives with MS or cares for someone who does can get involved. It doesn't matter where in the UK you live or how much research experience you have.

Find out more and join the Research Network