Interdisciplinary network on MS research

The disease-oriented Competence Network Multiple Sclerosis (Kompetenznetz Multiple Sklerose – KKNMS) is an interdisciplinary research network based at different sites throughout Germany.

It is one of 21 medical competence networks originally initiated by the German Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF). These networks aim to bring together researchers and have the goal to improve patient care. The KKNMS was initially funded by the BMBF over a total of three funding periods (lasting until 2019) and is now run purely on donations.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is still incurable. Statistics for Germany show that at least 200,000 people are affected by the disease, two-thirds of whom are women. The focus of the projects funded here is on long-term improvement of MS diagnostics, treatment and the quality of patient care. A more rapid transfer of research insights into clinical practice is the ultimate goal.

In the third funding period, which lasted until 2018, a total of 21 projects in the areas of clinical research and basic research were carried out.

The managerial office of the KKNMS serves as the primary contact for all network members, interested persons and sponsors. This office is currently located at the University Hospital Münster, Germany.