UK MS Register News. Published 01/14/2026.
In December 2025, the Register team were delighted to host a Campus Research Day bringing together researchers and supporters of the MS Society for an engaging and inspiring visit. This event was the second Campus Research Day of its kind in 2025, building on the success of the visit in August and further strengthening connections between research teams and the wider MS community.
The day was organised in collaboration with Ceri Bevan, Community Fundraising Manager at the MS Society, who brought along a group of key fundraisers to visit the UK MS Register, as well as Swansea University’s Population & Data Science, and Medical School buildings. The visit provided a valuable opportunity for the group to see first-hand how their fundraising activities direct supports important research into MS right here in Wales.
A highlight of the day was a laboratory tour led by Dr Owain Howell. During the tour, visitors were given an insight into the laboratory environment and the techniques used to investigate MS by three of the students working in the lab, Immanuel Lantu, Mia Humphries and Joic Majo. Dr Howell explained how ongoing research projects aim to better understand the biology of MS and ultimately contribute to the development of improved treatments. The tour sparked plenty of questions and conversations, reflecting the visitors’ genuine interest and enthusiasm for the science behind the research (pictured below).
The group also heard from Register PI Dr Rod Middleton, who gave an engaging talk about how the Register collects and uses data from people living with MS which is then used for a wide variety of research projects. By sharing real examples of how the Register’s data is used, Dr Middleton demonstrated the vital role that large-scale, patient-centred data plays in driving meaningful change. The day concluded on a festive and relaxed note with tea, mince pies, and informal networking.
We would like to extend our sincere thanks to MS Society Cymru for their support in helping to organise the visit, and to all of the visitors for their enthusiasm, curiosity, and continued commitment to supporting MS research. Ceri said:
“Visiting the MS Research team and the MS Register is hugely important for me, personally and professionally. From a personal development perspective, it has deepened my understanding of the science behind MS and given me a real appreciation for the incredible work happening behind the scenes. Bringing groups to visit helps me create a stronger connection between our MS community and the researchers whose commitment and expertise drive progress every day. Seeing this work up close is extremely powerful, and for fundraisers it’s such an incredible opportunity to see the impact of their support. We are hugely grateful to both teams for their incredibly kind and welcoming hospitality, and for always making the time to share such informative and inspiring days with us.”
Events like this are a valuable reminder of the importance of connecting research with the people and communities who make it possible. We look forward to hosting more Campus Research Days and similar events in 2026 and beyond.