About us
Our multidisciplinary MS Center Amsterdam is a reliable source of scientific research into all aspects of MS by a team of experts ranging from basic researchers to radiologists and neurologists. Our key theme, 'Facing MS progression' aims to generate knowledge on the underlying mechanisms of progression of MS and to identify and validate of clinical, radiological and biomarker predictors of MS disease progression. The center has an excellent international reputation and is one of the top five MS research centers in the world.
Multidisciplinary center
The center's unique combination of fundamental and clinical research allows us quickly to translate findings in a clinical setting. There is in-depth scientific and disease related knowledge on MS. The departments involved in MS research are:
- Neurology Department
- Radiology Department
- Pathology Department
- Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology
- Anatomy and Neuroscience
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Clinical Chemistry
Furthermore, we established the Neurounit for Biomarkers in Neuro-Inflammation (NUBIN) at Amsterdam UMC, location VUmc, with the main goal to establish a biobank of body fluids of well-documented patients with CNS diseases. Also, a normal ageing collection of brain tissue was founded in the Dept. of Anatomy & Neurosciences, which ideally complements our strong and longstanding collaboration with the Dutch Brain Bank.
Collaborations
MS Center Amsterdam is involved in, or has co-founded, several collaborative networks (like ECTRIMS and MAGNIMS, BioMS-eu, IMSCOGS, SUMMIT).We have a broad academic and clinical network with MS centers in London, Milan, Düsseldorf and Basel.
We have experience in cooperating with industrial partners.
Research
Materials available
We have a unique collection of post-mortem MS nervous system tissue specimen. The tissue is MRI-imaged to enhance the yield of lesions and obtain radiological correlations and characterize lesion stages. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is taken from the same patients to facilitate the comparison of CSF findings with neuropathology.
Because of history in performing clinical trials we have good validated material of several cohorts.
Trials
We have extensive experience in validating therapeutic compounds in clinical trials. For this purpose we can evaluate clinical parameters via clinical scales, look at epidemiological parameters, perform MRI-scans, look at genetics and test for biochemical markers. In our professionals trial unit two research nurses work together with neurologists to ensure reliable registration of trial data.
Disease models
In our center research is performed from bench to bedside. All known pathological events occurring in MS lesion formation and persistence, such as immune cell migration, demyelination, activated glia and neurodegeneration, and axonal damage, are being addressed in well-validated in vitro and in vivo models using state-of-the-art imaging tools (rodent and human).
For more information about research, visit amsterdamumc.org/research
For more information about research output registration, visit researchinformation.amsterdamumc.org
Education
For more information about education, visit amsterdamumc.org/education
Patient Care
For more information about patient care, visit amsterdamumc.nl
Team
For information about our researchers, visit amsterdamumc.org/researchers
Career
We are always on the lookout for talented and passionate people to join our growing team. You will have the opportunity to develop any aspects you are interested in.
See all our vacancies (in Dutch): werkenbij.amsterdamumc.org
Contact
MS Center Office
Amsterdam UMC, location VUmc, room PK 4X 180
P.O. Box 7057
1007 MB Amsterdam
The Netherlands
Tel.: +31 20-4449088
Website: www.mscentrumamsterdam.nl
E-mail: bureaumscentrum@vumc.nl
Visitors’ address: De Boelelaan 1118, 1081 HV Amsterdam
Sponsoring
If you would like to sponsor the MS Center Amsterdam or a particular project, please contact the MS Center Office. We will be glad to provide you with further information or if requested make an appointment.
A donation to MS Center Amsterdam can be paid on account number 4818 in name of VUmc Foundation indicating MS center. IBAN code: NL46INGB0000004818, BIC code: INGBNL2A