2025 endMS Summer School

The University of Alberta (UAlberta) and the UAlberta Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Centre are excited to host the 2025 endMS Summer School in Edmonton from June 16-19, 2025. We are pleased to invite trainees interested in MS research to this unique learning and networking opportunity.

Our theme for this year’s school will be “The Life Cycle of Innovations for Multiple Sclerosis: Drugs, Vaccines, and Biomarkers” focusing on how different discoveries get translated into clinical practice and how these innovations become incorporated into the continuum of MS care. Health innovations, or technologies, are the devices, medicines, vaccines, procedures and systems that improve health care. We will focus on vaccines, biomarkers, and treatments for MS following their development, from the early discoveries that made these innovations possible, to their translation into clinical research and ultimately into practice.

Our program will include speakers from the MS centre in Alberta. The UAlberta hosts strong institutes with outstanding researchers, including the Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute and the Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology. The UAlberta is also privileged by its access to cutting-edge equipment, from MRI and flow cytometry to Mass Spectrometry. The university is within close proximity to the Northern Alberta MS clinic, which provides services to diagnose, treat, and support people with MS.

In Edmonton, trainees will benefit from a comprehensive program that includes seminars to understand the life cycle of technology and how it relates to MS. They will also learn firsthand about these areas through focused workshops showcasing MS research and translation. We will include career development sessions, interactive events with people living with MS, and SPRINT team presentations on their year-long interdisciplinary project.

We are excited to host the 2025 endMS Summer School, where trainees will have the opportunity to learn from leading experts in the field, network with other professionals and individuals living with MS, and gain valuable insights into the latest developments in MS research and technology.

Dr. Jennifer McCombe and Dr. Jason Plemel
2025 endMS Summer School Co-Hosts

Welcome to the endMS National Training Program’s 17^th annual endMS Summer School!

The endMS National Training Program (NTP) is a component of the endMS Research and Training Network that aims to enhance knowledge and skills relevant to MS research, foster opportunities to conduct MS research in Canada and increase the intent amongst trainees to pursue MS research for the long term.

The NTP is grateful to receive funding from MS Canada. Funding that is essential to be able to offer high caliber training programs: the endMS Summer School and endMS Scholar Program for Researchers IN Training (SPRINT).

The annual endMS Summer School brings together as many as 40 trainees including graduate students, post-doctoral and clinical fellows from a variety of research backgrounds to learn about one central MS-related research theme which changes from year to year. To learn more about the annual Summer School click here

endMS SPRINT, a year long program for trainees who are ready to invest their time to enhance their knowledge and skills in MS research. SPRINT is pursued as a supplement to the research conducted by the trainees at their institutions. Through innovative initiatives offering networking, career development, mentorship and interdisciplinary learning opportunities, SPRINT has already fostered collaboration among emerging and experienced researchers and strengthened the research community nationwide. To learn more about SPRINT click here

This year, we are delighted that the endMS NTP’s 2025 endMS Summer School will take place at the University of Alberta in Edmonton.

The endMS NTP’s Scholar Program for Researchers in Training (SPRINT) will hold additional meetings in conjunction with the Summer School on Monday, June 16^th, 2025 for SPRINTers and their mentors. On Tuesday, June 17^th, 2025 the SPRINT graduating teams will present their yearlong interdisciplinary learning projects to Summer School attendees.

There are many people involved in the planning and implementation of the Summer School. Our very special thanks and appreciation are extended to the hosts, the Summer School Planning Committee, presenters, mentors, coordinators, people living with MS, volunteers and all who have contributed to this year’s Summer School.

We are excited about the program and enthusiastic at the prospects of learning and working together with you to expand the community of trainee researchers who, over time, will become experts and leaders in the field of MS research and clinical practice.

See you soon in Edmonton!

Dr. Christina Wolfson
Director, endMS National Training Program