Definition of Expert advice - "advice given by someone who has studied a subject thoroughly or who is very skilled at a particular job"

Join us for the second webinar in our series of monthly information sessions where we invite a number of 'experts' covering a variety of topics related to MS / general health and will be hosted by Carla Callaghan, 36, who was diagnosed with relapsing MS just weeks before her wedding day in 2013. She's passionate about raising awareness of MS and helping to improve the lives of those affected by MS. The former journalist worked as MS Society Scotlands Press and PR Officer and now works in Public Sector communications.

This session will give you an insight into how MS Society fund MS research, what they are currently funding, how you can find out and interpret research and some UWS researchers discussing their projects.

Our expert panel includes :

Annessa Amjad, MSS Public Involvement Manager - Providing insight into how MS Society involved people affected by MS with the research funding process, what this process looks like and examples of some of the research being funded.

Dr. Stephanie Zihms PhD in Civil & Environmental Engineering and now works in Researcher Development. She was diagnosed with MS in 2016, while working as a postdoc at Heriot-Watt University. Her research skills came in handy as she was able to read original research papers and her university ID provided access to a whole range of articles that sometimes are blocked by paywalls. Stephanie is going to share some tips on how to access research papers if you don't have a university ID and what to look out for in research papers and the associated blog posts to make sure you know how to filter the hype from hope.

Luke Cerexhe, PhD student at the University of the West of Scotland, Lanarkshire (Blantyre) – Following his role as a therapy technician for a charity specialising in long-term support for people living with neurological conditions, Luke decided to focus his experience from his Sports Physiology degree into research for the benefit of people living with Multiple Sclerosis. He is now part of a research team with Eilidh Macdonald and their supervisor, developing and testing a smartphone app to monitor MS symptoms and allow people with MS to take part in research studies from home.

Eilidh Macdonald PhD Student at the University of the West of Scotland, Lanarkshire (Blantyre) – Eilidh has a background in Biomedical Sciences and although she thoroughly enjoyed working in an NHS laboratory, her goal has always been to help people with MS. Several of her family members have been diagnosed with the disease so she is passionate about helping them manage their symptoms. She decided to apply to a PhD programme at UWS, due to the pandemic the original research project was put on hold. With the help from fellow PhD student Luke Cerexhe and support from supervisor Professor Nicholas Sculthorpe a new project was undertaken to develop a smartphone application to monitor symptoms and allow people with MS to engage in research from the safety and comfort of their own homes.

What do you need to take part?

All you need to join in is a laptop/tablet/phone/computer with a stable internet connection to use Zoom, the video meeting software that we use.

How do I join the webinar?

Before the event we will send you an email which will have a link to the webinar which is held via Zoom. At the time the webinar is due to start, click on the link and you will be taken to the webinar. If the session hasn’t started you will see a message to tell you this. Just hang on and when the session starts you will see the panel of 'experts' and hosts of the session pop up on your screen.

What if I haven’t been sent the link

We send an email with a link to everyone who completes the registration form on Eventbrite and books a place. The email we send might go into your SPAM or junk folder so please check before the sessions start that you can find it.

When I join the webinar can other people see or hear me?

No, you can’t be seen or heard by other participants.

Can I ask questions?

Yes, you can submit your questions prior to the session but will also allow it via the chat function in zoom on the night. The facilitator will tell participants about how to do this. Please note we can’t respond or offer advice to questions about your specific circumstances or anything relating to your own personal health. Questions will be collated and we will try to cover your queries if not your specific question.

What should I do if I can no longer attend?

If you find that you are unable to take part or would like further information please get in touch at wellbeingscotland@mssociety.org.uk or 0131 335 4050