ECTRIMS 2022

38th Congress of the European Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis

Dear colleagues and friends,

On behalf of ECTRIMS and its Executive Committee, it is our pleasure to welcome you to Amsterdam
for the 38th Congress from 26 – 28 October 2022.

It has been 11 years since the previous ECTRIMS Congress in Amsterdam. The world has changed
since then. The recent pandemic has had a huge impact on the world as a whole and also on the
scientific community. The coronavirus prompted accelerated worldwide collaborations focusing
on the consequences of the viral infection. The impact of COVID-19 and the vaccination on people
with MS – on and off disease-modifying treatment – was studied jointly. Borders between countries
seemed to fade. At the same time, it became more complicated to cross borders physically and much
progress has been made using online solutions. Meeting colleagues became ‘virtual’, although real.
But in the past 11 years also our knowledge on many aspects of MS has increased and progress
has been made in treatment options and care for those suffering from the disease. The diagnosis of
MS and related diseases can be made at an earlier stage, leading to a timely start of an
individualised treatment strategy aimed at minimising the impact of the disease and maintaining an
optimal quality of life.

However, there is no reason for leaning back as long as MS cannot be cured completely. Every facet
of the disease needs careful attention and translational research is needed to bridge “bench and
bedside”. Therefore it is great that the all-year-round collaborative efforts and networking amongst
those involved in MS research from all over the world brings us together again at the yearly
congress. To exchange our results, to share our newest insights and to strengthen our network.
Together with the local organizing committee, a programme has been composed that should
facilitate all these elements.

Also in Amsterdam Scientific Sessions, Hot Topic Sessions and Educational Sessions will be held, but
also selected Free Communications, Young Investigator Sessions, guided e-Poster Sessions and
Meet-the-Expert Sessions. And in between many opportunities to tighten ties with friends and
colleagues and make new contacts with all who share the same ideal: to solve the puzzle of MS.
Next years’ Congress will be truly hybrid, so everyone can join digitally. But we hope that 2022
allows for crossing borders again. Physically by coming to the wonderful city of Amsterdam and
enjoy not only the Congress but also everything that the city has to offer. And scientifically by
connecting with colleagues from other disciplines and continue to build a network strong enough to
halt the disease and make a difference in the future.

We look forward to meeting you all in Amsterdam in October 2022!

Bernard Uitdehaag
ECTRIMS 2022 Chair

Maria Pia Amato
ECTRIMS President

Mar Tintoré
ECTRIMS Vice-President
Chair Scientific Programme Committee

2022.ectrims-congress.eu