We know it has been too long since you’ve heard from us — and that’s about to change. As part of a broader effort to strengthen and modernize our communications, we’re reimagining this newsletter from the ground up. Our goal is to keep you more connected to the breakthroughs, community insights, and human stories that drive people-powered MS research forward.
You can expect:
- Behind-the-scenes looks at research studies unfolding right now
- Profiles of iConquerMS participants and researchers — what motivates them and why they do this work
- Results from surveys and studies you participated in
- Clear updates on ACP and iConquerMS initiatives
- More storytelling. More voices. More connection.
But we can’t do this without you.
Your voice matters in shaping what comes next. Could you share how we can better connect with you across our communications? Your perspective will help strengthen everything we create next year.
Join a study supporting mental health in MS
Living with MS can be tough—not just physically, but emotionally too. Researchers at the University of Reading, United Kingdom are running a new study called MS PSY WELL-P, designed to explore whether a short course (4 sessions, 30-60 minutes long) of a peer-led online program can boost psychological well-being for people with MS.
The course is free, flexible, and built to support mental health in everyday life. The content is based entirely on the experiences of people with MS.
You can learn more by watching the short intro video below. You can also click here to read the information sheet and sign up. For more information, please email the researcher, Hannah Morris-Bankole.
SNEAK PEEK
What we’re building for 2026
We’ll be rolling out new tools and resources in 2026 to strengthen people-powered research. Here’s a look at just a few of the projects that are already underway:
A next-generation iConquerMS research platform
We’re building a more streamlined, personalized way for people with MS, caregivers, and researchers to discover and engage with research opportunities. Features will include:
- A filterable list of research studies, searchable by eligibility and zip code
- A researcher portal for submitting studies that are recruiting participants
- Personalized notifications when new studies match your interests
This platform will dramatically improve how our community connects to research. By bringing a wide range of study opportunities into a single, easy-to-use space, it will make research more accessible and strengthen the foundation for faster, more impactful MS discoveries.
Navigating MS treatment options as we age
Aging introduces new complexities in long-term MS treatment, and existing research is often unclear or fragmented. In 2026, iConquerMS will launch a project to:
- Synthesize current evidence on treatment strategies for aging adults
- Translate findings into clear, accessible educational materials
- Help individuals have more confident, informed conversations with their clinicians
This initiative won’t provide clinical guidelines — but it will bring clarity and much-needed attention to a critical area of MS care.
Study reaffirms COVID-19 vaccine safety
A new long-term study from the iConquerMS community shows that COVID-19 vaccines continue to be safe for people affected by multiple sclerosis. Most reactions were mild, brief, and similar to those seen in the general population, with no MS-specific safety concerns.
Differences between vaccine types and disease-modifying therapies did not point to added risk. These real-world findings strengthen early evidence and highlight the power of people sharing their lived experiences to move research forward. Read more.
Thank you for being part of this community
Every dataset shared, every survey completed, every biosample contributed, and every gift truly accelerates MS research.
If you’re able, please consider a tax-deductible year-end gift to support ACP’s work in 2026 — a year when we’ll unveil new tools, new stories, and new ways for the MS community to shape research.