Italian MS Society Research Strategy Map and Portfolio

AISM, the Italian MS Society, through its Foundation (FISM) promotes and supports innovative basic and applied scientific research, aimed at improving the quality of life, available therapies and identifying a resolving cure for multiple sclerosis.

FISM represents a key player in the MS national and international research system, promoting scientific research with a concrete impact on people with MS.

In 2022, the main International MS Societies agreed to develop a Global Research Agenda for MS, which illustrates the scientific priorities that global research should support to face the challenges of multiple sclerosis. The Agenda 2025 presented by AISM during the World MS Day 2022 incorporates these priorities to promote the collective impact of research.

AISM leads the development of this strategy together with the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and MS International Federation (MSIF).

FISM research strategic map highlights the importance of applying diversified research funding models and different levels of involvement to achieve concrete benefits for people with MS.

Fund and forget

Investigator driven in nature and characterized solely by financial contributions to academia/non-profit organizations (bottom-up and trust-based approach).

Select and oversee
The portfolio is driven by the foundation/people with MS (top-down and trust-based approach).

Open and integrate

The foundation also works with other funding agencies to sustain key research infrastructures and resources to develop and advance projects. Characterized by high-level engagement with for-profit organizations (bottom-up and control-based approach).

Commit and integrate

The foundation is actively involved in the development and management of both portfolio and projects in collaboration with other key stakeholders (top-down and control-based approach).

Zaratin P, Battaglia M.A. and Abbracchio MP, Trends in Pharmacological Sciences, 2014 – Cell Press

Last updated july 2023