It has been fascinating. Seeing people from across the world doing so much good in this facility shows just how much we need to continue funding research to cure this awful disease. It’s been enlightening and inspiring for the Parliamentarians on the trip today to see where the money is being spent on key projects. A big thank you to everybody across the country who contributes to this important work."
Ian Byrne MP
19 February 2025
APPG on MND Explores UK MND Research Institute's Groundbreaking Work
The All-Party Parliamentary Group on Motor Neuron Disease visited King's to learn about the pioneering research within the national collaboration
On 12 February 2025, members of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Motor Neuron Disease (MND) visited King’s College London to witness firsthand the pioneering research undertaken as part of the UK MND Research Institute’s national collaboration to tackle the disease.
Led by Ian Byrne MP, Chair of the APPG on MND, the delegation toured the Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, one of the UK’s leading MND research hubs. The visit, organised by the MND Association in partnership with King’s College London, highlighted the latest scientific advancements and the critical need for sustained government support to accelerate progress.
The visit began with a presentation by Professor Ammar Al-Chalabi, Professor of Neurology and Complex Disease Genetics at King's and co-director of the UK Motor Neuron Disease Research Institute (UK MND RI).
He outlined the Institute’s mission to bring together world-leading centres to drive discoveries, enhance clinical trials, and ultimately develop effective treatments. King’s is one of six key sites collaborating to revolutionise our understanding of MND and speed up the search for therapies.
During a roundtable discussion, MPs engaged with researchers on key challenges, including ensuring the UK maintains its position as a leader in MND research, addressing disparities in clinical trial access, and securing long-term investment in research initiatives.
Following the discussion, MPs toured the cutting-edge laboratory facilities at King’s, meeting UK MND RI researchers working on innovative projects to uncover the causes of MND and develop targeted treatments. From biomarker discovery to advanced stem cell research, the visit demonstrated the impact of investment in scientific progress.
MPs Aphra Brandreth and Olly Glover, officers of the APPG, and APPG members Vikki Slade and Sarah Hall joined Mr Byrne for the visit.
The visit underscored the importance of sustained investment in MND research and the power of collaboration between researchers, policymakers, and charities.
Professor Ammar Al-Chalabi highlighted the importance of continued investment in MND research, “The progress we are making in understanding and treating MND is only possible because of sustained investment in research and collaboration between scientists, clinicians, people living with MND, and policymakers. Visits like this are crucial in demonstrating the impact of this work and the urgent need for ongoing support. By bringing together expertise from across the UK, the UK MND Research Institute is driving forward innovative studies that will ultimately improve the lives of people with MND and bring us closer to new and effective treatments.”
The UK MND Research Institute remains committed to accelerating discoveries, improving access to clinical trials, and driving forward the search for a cure.
Adapted from UK MND Research Institute News.
Photographs provided by MND Association.
In this story
Professor of Neurology and Complex Disease Genetics