McDonald Fellows attend the Tykeson Conference at the National MS Society

Tykeson Conference 2024 

In November 2024, the National MS Society (NMSS), MSIF’s member organisation in the United States, hosted the Tenth Tykeson Fellows Conference. This biennial event brought together early-career researchers, clinical trainees, and experienced scientists to foster collaboration, share insights, and learn from one another. Among the attendees were three of MSIF’s McDonald Fellows: Dr Kshiteeja Jain, Dr Agustín Papolla, and Dr Carolina de Medeiros Rimkus, who shared their experiences and key takeaways. 

Unique Learning Opportunities 

Dr Carolina de Medeiros Rimkus, the 2021 MSIF-ECTRIMS Fellow, described the conference as a valuable learning experience that expanded her professional network and deepened her commitment to MS research. She noted how it broadened her understanding of basic research approaches and ‘highlighted ongoing efforts to advance treatments, prevent complications, and mitigate the challenges faced by individuals living with MS.’ 

As well as scientific sessions, the conference included several sessions to help fellows navigate their careers in MS research, supporting the future of the MS research environment. They explored topics such as how to start and sustain an MS research programme, how to collaborate with industry, and how to navigate conflict. 

Dr Jain, originally from India and recipient of the 2022 MSIF-ECTRIMS McDonald Fellowship, appreciated the tools and insights provided for building successful careers, alongside engaging and up-to-date scientific sessions. She described it as ‘an important conference for early career neurologists and researchers.’ 

Dr Papolla, the 2022 MSIF-FRANCESEP Fellow, reflected on these sessions, calling them highly relevant for young investigators. He said; ‘The inclusion of unconventional sessions, such as those on biostatistics, leadership and management skills, or ‘How to start and sustain your MS research program’, addressed highly relevant topics for young investigators that should be covered.’ 

Sharing research insights 

The conference provided a platform for researchers to present findings to peers, NMSS leaders, and people affected by MS. Many attendees shared promising developments in MS research, fostering a dynamic exchange of ideas. The McDonald fellows learnt about the latest ongoing research in MS topics, which Dr Papolla highlighted as a valuable opportunity. 

Dr Rimkus from Brazil, was invited to give a platform presentation. She shared the key findings from her project, ‘Regional cerebellar atrophy in multiple sclerosis patients with different levels of fatigue and cognitive impairment,’ a collaboration between the Amsterdam University Medical Center in the Netherlands and the University of São Paulo, Brazil, exploring links between cerebellar atrophy and MS symptoms.  

Download Dr Rimkus’ poster here.

Dr Kshiteeja Jain

Dr Jain, conducting her fellowship at the San Raffaele Scientific Institute in Milan, Italy, presented a poster with findings on ‘Characterizing functional and structural imaging features of cognitive phenotypes in multiple sclerosis,’ aiming to identify distinct cognitive phenotypes (physical expressions of an organism’s traits) and their clinical and imaging features.  

Download Dr Jain’s poster here. 

Dr Papolla from Argentina, completing his fellowship at Cemcat, in Barcelona, Spain presented a study developed in collaboration with a hospital in Madrid. His research examined the added diagnostic value of serum body fluid biomarkers obtained from peripheral blood of newly diagnosed people with MS with a first demyelinating event.  

Download Dr Papolla’s poster here.

Building connections for future collaboration 

With nearly 130 attendees, the Tykeson Conference provided valuable networking opportunities.

Dr Agustín Pappolla, Dr Carolina de Medeiros Rimkus, Dr Christopher Cagna

Dr Papolla highlighted the importance of collaborative work and praised the conference for providing the opportunity to establish connections for future projects, while Dr Jain described the event as a ‘great opportunity to network with other fellows, distinguished speakers, and industry leaders.’ 

Dr Rimkus emphasized the significance of connecting with peers who share similar research interests, noting that these interactions have already opened doors for potential collaborations. ‘The exchange of ideas and feedback during the conference provided critical insights that will guide the next stages of my research,’ she said. 

Networking opportunities like these drive future collaborations and inspire researchers to explore innovative approaches in preventing, treating and stopping MS. 

Thank you to the National MS Society 

MSIF extends its gratitude to the National MS Society for hosting this impactful conference equipping young researchers with the tools needed to succeed in MS research. Opening the conference to recipients of the McDonald Fellowships helps to strengthen the global MS research community. 

About the McDonald Fellowship 

The McDonald Fellowship is a two-year fellowship that enables young researchers from low- and middle-income countries to work in a research institution outside their own country. Fellows gain new skills and techniques, with a view to returning to their own country to establish an MS research program and apply what they have learned.  

MSIF’s McDonald Fellowships will be open for applications in summer 2025.

Read more about the fellowships here.