RESEARCH & HOPE
Research, collaboration and hope for the future
There is currently no cure for Multiple System Atrophy, and much remains to be understood about what causes the condition, how it progresses and how it may one day be treated.
National MSA Research is working to support greater awareness, stronger connections and future research opportunities that may improve understanding, care and outcomes for people affected by MSA.
We believe progress comes from bringing people together — researchers, clinicians, people living with MSA, families, carers, supporters and the wider community — and supporting work that can make a meaningful difference.
Why MSA research matters
Multiple System Atrophy is a complex condition, and many important questions remain about why it develops, how it progresses and how it may be treated more effectively.
Research can help improve our understanding of the biological processes involved in MSA, support earlier and more accurate diagnosis, improve the management of symptoms and contribute to the development of future treatments.
For a rare condition such as MSA, collaboration is especially important. Bringing together researchers, clinicians, people living with MSA and families can help strengthen knowledge, identify priorities and create opportunities for meaningful research.
What National MSA Research is working toward
National MSA Research aims to help strengthen the environment for MSA research in Australia by building connections, supporting collaboration and helping create opportunities for future research.
As our organisation grows, we want to help:
- strengthen connections between researchers, clinicians and the MSA community
- increase awareness of MSA and the need for continued research
- support opportunities for Australian participation in research and collaboration
- help people affected by MSA better understand research and how they may be able to participate
- support carefully considered research initiatives as funding and opportunities become available
- encourage collaboration nationally and internationally where it can advance understanding of MSA
Our approach will continue to develop as new partnerships, research opportunities and priorities emerge.
Supporting research and collaboration
Progress in rare-disease research often depends on people and organisations working together.
National MSA Research wants to help create stronger connections between researchers, clinicians, people living with MSA, families, carers and other organisations with an interest in improving outcomes for people affected by the condition.
This may include supporting research partnerships, sharing opportunities with the MSA community, helping connect researchers with relevant expertise and contributing to initiatives that increase knowledge and awareness of MSA.
As new research collaborations and projects are established, we will share information about them through this website.
Research guidance and expertise
National MSA Research is supported by people with experience and expertise in research, medicine and clinical care.
Our research and medical advisors help strengthen our understanding of the research landscape and provide valuable guidance as we consider future opportunities, partnerships and areas where National MSA Research may be able to make a meaningful contribution.
Their involvement helps us approach research support carefully, responsibly and with a strong focus on the needs of people affected by MSA.
Future research projects
National MSA Research is still developing its research program.
We do not currently want to present a list of projects simply for the sake of appearing established. Instead, we want future projects and funding decisions to be meaningful, transparent and aligned with our purpose.
As research partnerships, grants or funded projects are established, this section will provide information about:
- the purpose of each project
- the researchers and organisations involved
- the amount or type of support provided
- the expected duration of the project
- updates and milestones where appropriate
- outcomes or findings that can be shared publicly
This will allow our community to see how research support develops and where funds are being directed.
Building connections with the MSA community
People living with MSA, families and carers bring important experience and perspectives to conversations about research.
As National MSA Research develops, we want to create opportunities for the community to hear about research, understand how studies work and learn about appropriate opportunities to become involved.
This may include research updates, community information sessions, study recruitment information, researcher presentations and opportunities for people affected by MSA to share perspectives that can help inform research priorities.
Participation in research will always be a personal decision, and information shared by National MSA Research will not replace advice from an individual’s healthcare team or the research team responsible for a study.
Research updates
As our research relationships grow, we will use this website to share important developments including new partnerships, research opportunities, funded projects, events and relevant MSA research news.
Our aim is to make research easier to understand and help connect the MSA community with credible information about progress being made.
Help support the future of MSA research
Research takes time, collaboration and sustained support.
Donations, fundraising, partnerships and community support can help National MSA Research continue building the foundations needed to support MSA research and awareness.
Every contribution helps us strengthen our organisation, connect people and create more opportunities to support work that may improve the future for people affected by MSA.