Driving MS Research Forward: Francesca and Christine Step Up for Science

When PhD student Francesca Pentimalli Biscaretti Di Ruffia and postdoctoral research fellow Christine Farrugia arrived in Edinburgh in September 2023, they joined the University’s MS imaging group with a shared ambition: to help push forward critical research that could improve the lives of people living with multiple sclerosis.

Both scientists work within Professor Adam Waldman’s MS imaging group, using MRI data to better understand the patterns of brain changes caused by the disease. Their research focuses on identifying MS biomarkers from imaging—a crucial step in improving diagnosis, tracking disease progression, and tailoring treatment.

Turning Complex Science into Patient Benefit

Explaining their work in straightforward terms, Christine shared:

“We look at MRI images and we try to quantify changes in the images that give us an indication of the neurodegeneration—the damage to the brain that occurs because of the disease. “A key aim of my work is to ensure their imaging metrics can be used in everyday clinical practice, not just in research environments. As Christine explained:

“Usually people have to go for a research scan when they’re enrolled in studies, but I’m trying to extend these biomarkers to clinical data so patients wouldn’t have to go for an additional scan.”

The focus on helping research translate into real improvements for patients, drives much of Christine's work.

Stepping Out for the Anne Rowling Clinic

Shortly after joining the group, alongside the MS imaging research team, Francesca and Christine took part in the Edinburgh Kiltwalk, raising almost £2,000 in aid of the Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic. The idea came from a colleague, and quickly turned into a team effort.

Francesca recalled:

“A colleague suggested it first and we said, ‘Yeah, why not?’ Then it kind of developed into a team effort.”

The experience itself was energising:

“It was very fun. There was a nice energy—so many people from different charities walking around, people on the streets cheering. A really nice community atmosphere.”

Having completed the 11 mile route this year, the team is already considering taking on an even bigger challenge next time: “We said this year that we’re going to go for the long walk… maybe we’ll try to be a bit more ambitious next time!”

Why Fundraising Really Matters

As researchers working directly within the MS research community, Francesca and Christine see clearly how vital charitable funding is.  Francesca emphasised the impact of collective giving:

“People put in individual effort and might think they’re not contributing much. But even £5 or £10—when you look at it from a community point of view, it makes such a big difference.”

Christine noted how funding keeps essential work moving forward:

“There’s a lot of important research happening, but of course it needs funds to happen. Funding is what’s needed to keep the momentum and get these projects out there.”

For both of them, ensuring research reaches the people who need it most is at the heart of why fundraising matters:

“It would be a shame for these efforts not to reach patients,” Christine added.

Keeping Hope—and Research—Moving Forward

By stepping out in support of the Anne Rowling Clinic, Francesca and Christine, alongside colleagues, not only raised almost £2,000 they highlighted the powerful role of community, generosity, and determination in driving progress for people living with MS.

Their message is clear: every contribution, no matter the size, helps accelerate discoveries that could transform lives.