News
News
Find out about what's been happening at the Centre.
Winter 2023 newsletter
Dec 2023: Our winter newsletter is now available.
Factors Impacting Trial Participation in People with MND
Oct 2023: Euan MacDonald Centre researchers have recently published a study that aimed to improve understanding of why people with MND choose to participate, or not participate, in clinical trials of potential new treatments.
New funding to accelerate opportunities for participation in MND-SMART
Oct 2023: We're delighted to announce that the Alan Davidson Foundation has pledged £1.275M investment in MND-SMART over 5 years to further increase opportunities for people living with MND across the UK to participate in the trial.
MND-SMART update on memantine, trazodone and placebo arms
Sep 2023: Judy Newton, MND nurse consultant and Beverley Gray, MND-SMART family, and participant representative detail the outcome of the latest results of MND-SMART.
Fundraising spotlight: Caley to Castle Crusade Run's final extreme challenge
Sept 2023: Please support Gregor Miller and his friends, who are taking on the Caley to Castle Crusade fundraising run from Inverness to Edinburgh later this month.
Ground-breaking funding announcement for XL-SMA research
Sept 2023: Euan MacDonald Centre researcher Prof Tom Gillingwater has been awared new funding for his research into gene therapy for spinal muscular atrophy.
New study reveals common changes at nerve cell connection points, across MND subtypes
Aug 2023: Euan MacDonald Centre researcher Dr Chris Henstridge from the University of Dundee and his research team have discovered a common change in the cells of the spinal cord of people with MND.
Academic promotion success for Suvankar Pal
Aug 2023: Congratulations to our Principal Investigator Professor Suvankar Pal who is now Professor of Neurodegenerative Disorders and Clinical Trials at the University of Edinburgh.
Summer 2023 Newsletter
July 2023: Our summer newsletter is now available.
Just a Sports Quiz 2023
July 2023: Just a Sports Quiz is a memorable night of sporting trivia and fun at BT Murrayfield.
Funding for project to test combinations of drugs that aims to speed up treatment delivery
June 2023: We're delighted with the award of multi-million pound funding to accelerate our drug screening programme to identify new drugs to test in the MND-SMART clinical trial.
PhD success for Euan MacDonald Centre early-career researcher
June 2023: Many congratulations to Euan MacDonald Centre member Anna Sanchez Avila who has successfully completed her PhD.
Euan MacDonald Centre research featured in Dementia Researcher blog and webinar
June 2023: Catch up on a blog and webinar recording about some of our research from MND Awareness Week.
New programme to move potential MND drugs into clinical trials faster
June 2023: On Global MND Awareness Day, we are delighted to be part of the announcement of a flagship experimental programme from the new UK-wide MND Research Institute (UK MND RI) called EXPERTS-ALS.
New investment in MND-SMART clinical trial
June 2023: Charities MND Scotland and the MND Association have announced £2.5M funding for the Euan MacDonald Centre's clinical trial, MND-SMART.
Fundraising spotlight - Gregor's amazing running challenges
June 2023: Fundraising superstar Gregor Miller is taking on five incredible running challenges for MND charities in Scotland.
International Clinical Trials Day 2023
We take a look at our UK-wide platform clinical trial for MND: - MND-SMART
Boosting brain immune cell waste clearance could provide new drug target for MND
Apr 2023: A new research study has revealed that the essential waste clearance role within 'microglia', the brain’s resident immune cells, is impaired in MND.
Northern Ireland joins MND-SMART
Mar 2023: The Southern Health and Social Care Trust, Craigavon, is now open for MND-SMART recruitment.
Welcome to our new Principal Investigators
Mar 2023: We are delighted to welcome Dr Ilary Allodi, Dr Alejandra Aranceta-Garza and Dr Kosala Dissanayake as new members of the Euan MacDonald Centre.
Funding boost for human stem cell-based research in motor neuron disease
Mar 2023: Congratulations to Euan MacDonald Centre member Dr Bhuvaneish T Selvaraj who has been awarded a research grant from The Humane Research Trust.
PhD success for Euan MacDonald Centre early-career researcher
Feb 2023: We caught up with Emily Beswick, about her research and her next steps.
CURE-ND Clinical Workshop winner of Best Talk Award
Feb 2023: Dr Arpan Mehta was the winner of the Best Talk Award at this year's CURE-ND symposium.
New publication: How we selected drugs for the MND-SMART clinical trial
Feb 2023: We have published the detailed strategy for selection of the first two drugs in the MND-SMART clinical trial.
John D Matthews Postgraduate Award winner 2022 - 2023
Jan 2023: Congratulations to University of Edinburgh clinical research fellow Dr Charis Wong, who has been awarded this year's John D Matthews Postgraduate Award.
Research Open Evening: Thursday 23rd February 2023
Jan 2023: Meet the scientists and researchers at our drop-in evening next month.
Aberdeen PhD student's research on experiences of inherited MND
Jan 2023: We spoke to Jade Howard, who is in the final stages of her PhD at the University of Aberdeen, about her research and her next steps.
Winter 2022 Newsletter
Dec 2022: Our winter newsletter is now available.
Thank you to our 2022 fundraisers!
Dec 2022: As we near the end of the year, we want to acknowledge and celebrate all of the wonderful supporters who have raised money this year to further our vital MND research.
Doddie Weir Statement
Nov 2022: A tribute to Doddie Weir.
Just a Sports Quiz 2022
Nov 2022: A round-up of the annual 'Just a Sports Quiz'
The British Neuropsychological Society honours Psychology Professor
Congratulations to Professor Sharon Abrahams who has been awarded with the prestigious Freda Newcombe Prize.
New research reveals clues behind the breakdown of brain cell connections in MND
Oct 2022: Our researchers have developed a dataset that describes hundreds of changes to the brain cell connections in people with MND.
MND-SMART enrols 400th participant
Oct 2022: Four hundred people living with MND have now joined MND-SMART.
Congratulations Prof Tom Wishart
Sept 2022: Many congratulations to Tom Wishart on his promotion and new title.
New research: Could Terazosin help people with motor neuron disease?
Aug 2022: New research indicates that the drug Terazosin shows promise as a potential new therapy for MND.
Changing the Conversation Through Research - video now available
August 2022: The 'Changing the Conversation Through Research' video provides an hour-long run through of the Euan MacDonald Centre's research and vision.
New information & support resource for people with inherited MND
June 2022: A new online resource has now been made available at the website healthtalk.org.
New £4.25 million grant kick starts UK-wide collaborative research effort
June 2022: Euan MacDonald Centre researchers at the University of Edinburgh are delighted to be part of this initiative, which aims to make big progress towards the ambition of making MND treatable within years, not decades.
Summer Newsletter 2022
June 2022: Our latest newsletter is now available.
European Network to Cure ALS (ENCALS) annual meeting 2022
June 2022: The Euan MacDonald Centre was delighted to host over 600 MND researchers from across Europe at the ENCALS2022 conference.
MND-SMART trial update
April 2022: An independent review committe has completed the stage 1 analysis of memantine and trazodone and concluded that both drugs should continue in the MND-SMART trial.
Hi-tech microscopy study gives clues about MND mechanisms
March 2022: Euan MacDonald Centre researchers have published findings indicating that a specialised connection between cells - the tripartite synapse - may play a key role in MND.
International evaluation of current practices in MND cognitive assessment
February 2022: An international analysis of cognitive assessment in MND suggests that it has a positive impact on people with MND, their caregivers and healthcare professionals' practice.
Lady Edith Wolfson Junior Non-Clinical Fellowship Award winner
Jan 2022: MND Association Fellowship award for Dundee based early-career researcher.
Winter Newsletter 2021
December 2021: Our latest newsletter is now available.
Thank you to our 2021 fundraisers!
Dec 2021: At the end of each year, we acknowledge and celebrate our fantastic fundraisers who have raised funds to further vital MND research.
MND-SMART clinical trial update: the latest facts and figures
Dec 2021: Our clinical trial of drug treatments in MND has now recruited over 250 people and there are 15 sites recruiting participants across Scotland and England.
New research: what should MND clinical trials look like?
Nov 2021: Our systematic review of over ten years of clinical trials in MND has informed what trials should look like in the future to maximise the chances of success.
Neuromuscular Junction Research Conference Report
Nov 2021: Our students hosted a virtual conference last month, bringing together early-career scientists around the world who work on the neuromuscular junction.
The MND24 Fundraising Challenge
24 hours dedicated to motor neuron disease research
The MND diary project
Nov 2021: The MND diary project is a 3 year research project investigating coping and resilience among people living with MND.
Ballater Charitable Chiels to donate £5,000 to the Euan MacDonald Centre for MND Research
Sept 2021: Ballater Golf Club, with its breathtaking scenery and challenging golf course, once again hosted the Ballater Charitable Chiels Texas Scramble.
Three Minute Thesis success for Centre PhD student Anna Sanchez Avila
August 2021: Congratulations to our PhD student Anna Sanchez Avila, who won the University of Dundee 'Three Minute Thesis' competition, and progressed to the semi-finals of the UK-wide competition.
Poetry and Hope for MND
August 2021: Our online Edinburgh Fringe event, Poetry and Hope for MND, premiered on YouTube on Sunday.
2021 Hampton Award Winners Announced
July 2021: Two researchers were recently recognised for their commitment to go above and beyond in their MND research.
Presentations at the ENCALS scientific meeting
May 2021: Some of our early-career researchers are presenting their work at the European Network to Cure ALS scientific conference, which kicks off online today.
Mini 3-D brain models could speed up search for new treatments for diseases
May 2021: New research funded by the Euan MacDonald Centre hopes to move forward the development of new treatments.
SpeakUnique highlighted on World Creativity and Innovation Day
April 2021: Film highlights how our research led to the launch of the spinout company SpeakUnique.
New research: insights into nerve-muscle connections
April 2021: Our latest research shows that there are fundamental differences between mice and humans in cells found at the junction of nerves and muscles. This new knowledge is particularly important for the design and interpretation of future research studies.
Wanted: Budding poets
March 2021: If you're living with MND and have a known or hidden talent for poetry, we'd like to hear from you.
MND study provides exciting new focus for potential drug treatments
January 2021: Motor neuron disease treatments that boost energy in nerve cells could be developed thanks to new research.
Winter newsletter 2020
December 2020: Our latest newsletter is now available
2020 research round-up film
December 2020: Watch our short film featuring some of our MND research highlights from 2020!
Our 2020 fundraising round-up
December 2020: We are extremely grateful to everyone who fundraised for us this year.
MND awareness raising in the desert
December 2020: Sandy Stirling has set himself a red-hot cycling challenge in memory of his father who died of MND.
Friday 11th December - Centre Researcher ALS Symposium Presentations
December 2020: Day 3 - Details of the research being presented by Euan MacDonald Centre researchers today at the MNDA International Symposium on ALS/MND.
Thursday 10th December - Centre Researcher ALS Symposium Presentations
December 2020: Day2 - Details of the research being presented by Euan MacDonald Centre researchers today at the MNDA International Symposium on ALS/MND.
Wednesday 9th December - Centre Researcher ALS Symposium Presentations
December 2020: Details of the research being presented by Euan MacDonald Centre researchers today at the MNDA International Symposium on ALS/MND.
Centre researchers join international symposium on ALS/MND
December 2020: Over 1000 researchers will join together online from Wednesday 9 – Friday 11 December for the MNDA event.
Applications open for Gordon Aikman MND funding award
November 2020: The 2021 deadline is Friday 8th January for this annual award in memory of the MND campaigner.
MND symposium marks the retirement of Centre founding Professor
November 2020: Colleagues share MND research findings and pay tribute to Professor Richard Ribchester.
Welcome to new Principal Investigators
November 2020: We would like to welcome four new Principal Investigators to the Euan MacDonald Centre: Dr Leeanne McGurk from Dundee, and Dr Chris Sibley, Dr Jenna Gregory and Dr Bhuvaneish T Selvaraj from Edinburgh.
Max Perutz Science Writing Award winner
October 2020: Many congratulations to PhD student Maria Stavrou, who has received a commendation in the 2020 MRC Max Perutz Science Writing competition.
Youth football team honours legacy of MND research champion
October 2020: A youth football side has teamed up with the Euan MacDonald Centre to raise awareness of MND
Centre researchers find cognition and mental health historically neglected in MND clinical trials
September 2020: The findings of a review published this week encourage future clinical trials to evaluate the impact of drugs on psychiatric health and cognition.
SpeakUnique 3 months on
September 2020: Our spin-out company has had enquiries from across the world since launch.
Euan MacDonald named as finalist in Scottish Charity Awards
August 2020: Our founder Euan has been shortlisted for the award of Charity Champion.
New research: 'Toxic effect' of cerebrospinal fluid in MND
August 2020: A review of scientific literature has revealed that cerebrospinal fluid obtained from people with ALS/MND is damaging to cells.
MND-SMART - the participant's perspective
July 2020: Alan Gray, one of the first people to take part in MND-SMART, tells us about his experience of participating in the landmark clinical trial.
MND-SMART clinical trial update
July 2020: We are pleased to announce that we are preparing to restart recruitment to the MND-SMART clinical trial from our Edinburgh trial clinic.
Study proves reliability of videoconferencing for MND appointments
June 2020: Centre researchers have found that appointments via videoconference are as effective as face-to-face appointments, and that people with MND are keen to use videoconference for future consultations.
Summer Newsletter 2020
June 2020: Our latest newsletter is now available.
Clinical trial management team during lockdown
June 2020: MND-SMART Trial Manager, Rachel Dakin, and Trial Management Administrator, Jill Williamson, give us a brief update on what they've been busy with during lockdown.
SpeakUnique goes live to help people around the world.
June 2020: Today we’re delighted to announce the launch of our first spin-out company - SpeakUnique.
Riluzole research study published
May 2020: The study reviewed riluzole prescribing, uptake and treatment discontinuation in Scotland.
MND-SMART Trial recruitment - COVID-19 update
May 2020: As the UK government starts to ease lockdown measures we wanted to provide an update on the MND-SMART clinical trial.
Research continues on inherited forms of MND
April 2020: Centre researcher Jade Howard tells us about her research into family experiences of inherited forms of MND and how COVID-19 has been affecting her work.
Results published of audit of MND cognitive assessments.
April 2020: The findings of a study have been published this week auditing cognitive assessments in people with MND in Scotland.
MND clinical trial recruitment paused due to COVID-19
March 2020: In response to the rapidly evolving circumstances surrounding Coronavirus (COVID-19) we have, in accordance with guidance from our research sponsors (University of Edinburgh and NHS Lothian), taken the difficult decision to pause recruitment to MND-SMART.
First MND-SMART trial centre opens
March 2020: MND-SMART, the pioneering new MND clinical trial from the Euan MacDonald Centre has opened its first clinical trial centre in Edinburgh.
MND-SMART: landmark MND trial launches
January 2020: The Euan MacDonald Centre-led innovative clinical trial MND-SMART is now seeking people with MND from across the UK to test potential new treatments.
Winter newsletter 2019
Dec 2019: Our latest newsletter is now available.
Stem cell technology offers new insight into MND
Dec 2019: Euan MacDonald Centre researchers have published findings showing that a genetic change associated with MND makes glial cells, which normally support neurons, become damaging to them instead.
Experiences of the 2019 International Symposium
Dec 2019: Several Euan MacDonald Centre researchers recently attended the 30th MND Association International Symposium in Perth, Australia, to find out about the very latest in MND research and care advances.
Cognitive change in MND: what causes it, and why measure it?
Dec 2019: New research from Euan MacDonald Centre Investigators has revealed a new understanding of the causes of cognitive change in MND, and why it's important to measure it.
30 years of the Scottish National MND Register
Dec 2019: The Scottish National MND Register, which has become an invaluable resource for research and to monitor care across the country, was founded in 1989, the first national MND register in the world.
Our 2019 Fundraising Round-up
Dec 2019: We are extremely grateful to everyone who fundraised for us this year. Together, our fantastic fundraisers raised over £30,000 in aid of motor neurone disease research.
September research open evening success
Sept 2019: Visitors joined Centre researchers to learn more about MND projects underway
Aberdeen Cafe Med event a great success
Sept 2019: At a highly successful recent public event in Aberdeen, Euan MacDonald Centre members discussed "Motor Neurone Diseases: what's next?"
Funding boost for neurological conditions research at Anne Rowling Clinic
Sept 2019: J.K. Rowling has donated £15.3m to the Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic at the University of Edinburgh.
Prestigious award for EMC researcher
Aug 2019: Congratulations to Dr Maria Stavrou who has been awarded a Medical Research Council Clinical Research Training Fellowship.
New review of MND mitochondria research published
Aug 2019: First review of MND laboratory research on interventions targeting mitochondria suggests positive effect on survival.
Golfers have a ball raising funds MND research
July 2019: The recent golf tournament 'The Ballater Charitable Chiels Charity Texas Scramble' was a great success.
A day in the life of Euan MacDonald Centre PhD student Rachel Kline
Jun 2019: Our PhD student Rachel Kline describes a typical day in the lab, with the highs and lows of researching MND in fruit flies.
£55,000 fundraised in memory of Robert
Jun 2019: Friends and family of Robert Ferguson Paulley have generously fundraised for the Euan MacDonald Centre to find new treatments and a cure for MND.
Welcome to new Principal Investigator Dr Chris Henstridge
Jun 2019: Congratulations to Dr Chris Henstridge, who has taken up a Lectureship position at the University of Dundee and become a Principal Investigator of the Euan MacDonald Centre.
Our 10th Centre Postgraduate Afternoon
Jun 2019: Last week we held our annual Euan MacDonald Centre Postgraduate Afternoon, when our doctors and scientists get together to discuss the work of our early-career researchers. We also presented the Hampton Awards, for people who go 'above and beyond'.
Experiences of the ENCALS 2019 MND conference
Jun 2019: The Euan MacDonald Centre recently funded three researchers from Edinburgh to attend the 'European Network to Cure ALS' (ENCALS) meeting. This annual conference attracts MND researchers from across Europe and beyond, and is an excellent opportunity to network with other researchers and showcase our work.
Centre member wins British neurology prize
May 2019: We’re delighted that Dr Arpan Mehta, has won the Charles Symonds Prize for best poster presentation at the Association of British Neurologists 2019 Annual Meeting.
Edinburgh Marathon Festival Fundraisers
May 2019: Almost 30 people took part in this weekend's running festival to raise awareness and funds for the Euan MacDonald Centre.
New research: a map of molecular brain changes during ageing
May 2019: Our researchers have generated a 'map' of how protein molecules change in the brain during normal ageing, which can be used as a benchmark to investigate neurodegeneration.
Arbikie distillery announces ongoing support for MND
April 2019: £1 per bottle for all sales of Arbikie Distillery's AK’s Gin will go to support MND research and support.
University students raise almost £3000 for MND research
Apr 2019: Eleri Connick, President of Edinburgh University Students Association (EUSA), presented a cheque to the Centre from their fundraising for MND research.
Edinburgh Science Festival MND Event
Apr 2019: We were delighted to be part of the Edinburgh Science Festival at an event hosted by MND Scotland.
Research open evening success
Apr 2019: Our recent Open Evening on the 10th April was a great success with around 60 people joining us on the night.
New research: Gastrostomy has become safer for people with MND
Apr 2019: Analysis of the data from the CARE-MND platform has shown that gastrostomy is safer for people with MND than it was 30 years ago.
New MND incidence and prevalence study published
Mar 2019: The study used data from the CARE-MND platform to investigate how common MND is in Scotland.
My Name'5 Doddie Foundation donates to MND Research
Mar 2019: Euan MacDonald Centre researcher Professor Tom Gillingwater is among those whose work will receive a donation from the charity.
Perspectives on the International MND Symposium
Feb 2019: We asked our researchers to reflect on what they gained by attending the International Symposium on MND.
New MND funding awarded to Clinical Fellow
Feb 2019: Dr Liz Elliott has been awarded new funding to study genetic patterns in MND.
Fantastic Fundraisers
Dec 2018: We are extremely grateful to all the fantastic fundraisers who supported the Euan MacDonald Centre in 2018 and raised the amazing total of £130,000!
PhD student publication success
Dec 2018: Many congratulations to our Centre-funded students Hannah Shorrock and Chris Crockford, who can now add 'Dr' to their name!
A step towards understanding spinal cord repair
Dec 2018: Our researchers have identified that immune system cells are important in spinal cord repair in zebrafish.
New research insights in spinal muscular atrophy
Oct 2018: Recent research by a team of Euan MacDonald Centre investigators provides new insights into spinal muscular atrophy, the childhood-onset motor neurone disease.
Rugby star pledges new funds for drug screening research
Oct 2018: The My Name'5 Doddie Foundation has pledged £250K to the Euan MacDonald Centre for a drug screening programme.
MND affects thinking in up to 80 per cent of patients
Sep 2018: Our latest research suggests that four out of five people with MND are likely to experience changes in their brain function, as well as impaired movement.
As a matter of fat: Potential links between lipid droplets and MND
Jul 2018: Centre researcher Dr Giuseppa Pennetta has co-authored an essay presenting evidence that droplets of fat might have a beneficial effect in cells affected by MND.
Summer e-newsletter published
June 2018: Our Summer 2018 e-newsletter is now available.
Speak:Unique on the road: a Scottish island-hopping adventure!
June 2018: The Speak:Unique team has been on the road, recording voices in the Western Isles, Orkney and Shetland.
Welcome to our new website!
June 2018: We’re excited to launch our new website.
Postgraduate Afternoon 2018
May 2018: Seventy MND researchers from across Scotland gathered to discuss the latest science and research ideas.
Funding for research posts to search for MND treatments
Apr 2018: We announce funding for two new postdoctoral laboratory scientists who will work on screening for new drug leads for MND.
Research Open Evening: 12th April
Mar 2017:Meet researchers at our drop-in open evening hosted by the Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic.
Synapse loss may underlie brain changes in MND
Dec 2017: New research findings give insight into the pathways that underlie changes in thinking and behaviour in MND.
Stem cell research reveals differences in cells from people with MND
Feb 2018: Euan MacDonald Centre researchers have published exciting new findings based on their research on stem cells.
Thank you to our wonderful fundraisers of 2017!
Dec 2017: Sincere thanks to our wonderful fundraisers, who raised a huge amount for us in 2017.
Winter 2017 e-newsletter now available
Dec 2017: The latest edition of our e-newsletter is now available.
Donald MacDonald CBE awarded honorary degree
Dec 2017: Our Centre's co-founder Donald MacDonald was awarded Doctor honoris causa by the University of Edinburgh.
Congratulations Hannah Shorrock – our newest PhD
Dec 2017: Congratulations to Dr Hannah Shorrock, a Euan MacDonald-Centre funded postgraduate student, who has been awarded her PhD.
Two amazing 2017 fundraising events with our founders & rugby friends
Dec 2017: A huge thank you to everyone who attended and/or donated to Just a Sports Quiz 2017 and the Arbikie Highland Estate Field of Dreams.
ECAS on the road: training MND healthcare professionals
Dec 2017: Professor Sharon Abrahams and Faith Hodgins are delivering training on the ‘Edinburgh Cognitive and Behavioural ALS Screen’ (ECAS) .
New insights into how motor neurons live and die in MND
Dec 2017: Euan MacDonald Centre scientists have published new studies that provide insights into the molecules and chemical pathways involved in neuron degeneration.