DR KERSTIN HELLWIG RECEIVES THE 2024 RACHEL HORNE PRIZE FOR WOMEN?S RESEARCH IN MS
DR KERSTIN HELLWIG RECEIVES THE 2024 RACHEL HORNE PRIZE FOR WOMEN'S RESEARCH IN MS
24 September 2024
Leading clinician-scientist and researcher, Dr Kerstin Hellwig, has been presented with the Rachel Horne Prize for Women's Research in MS at the 40th Congress of the European Committee for Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ECTRIMS) in Copenhagen, Denmark.
The award recognises a woman scientist for their outstanding contribution to research in the understanding and treatment of women's specific health issues in multiple sclerosis.
Dr Hellwig was presented the prize at the closing session of the ECTRIMS meeting by Founder of the award, Rachel Horne. "Professor Hellwig is such a deserving recipient of the prize. Her ground-breaking work has led the way in enabling women with MS and clinicians to make safe, informed decisions around family planning, so as to ensure the health of both mother and child."
ECTRIMS President Professor Mar Tintore commented: "Dr Kerstin Hellwig is an outstanding clinician-scientist whose pioneering work over the past twenty years has improved the understanding, safety and healthcare for women with MS before, during and after pregnancy."
"I am thrilled to receive this award," said Dr Hellwig. "I have been involved in female health research in MS for nearly twenty years now and female scientists are still largely underrepresented in the world of scientific prizes and recognition. This award recognises the vital importance of clinical research in combination with different aspects of women's health in MS."
"I would like to thank my mentor Annette Langer-Gould, also a pioneer in female health research in MS, who greatly supported me to increase the methodological strengths of my research."
The US$40,000 prize, to be used at the discretion of the recipient, is made possible by the generosity of the Horne Family Charitable Foundation, which is part of Aqueduct Foundation in Canada.
Details for applying for the 2025 Rachel Horne Prize will be released on the website
www.rachelhorneprize.com early next year.
ABOUT THE RACHEL HORNE PRIZE FOR WOMEN'S RESEARCH IN MS
The Rachel Horne Prize recognises a woman scientist for their outstanding contribution to research in the understanding and treatment of women's specific health issues in MS. Established in 2023, the international prize of US$40,000 is judged through International Women in MS (www.iwims.world) and supported by the European Committee for Treatment and Research in MS (ECTRIMS
www.ectrims.eu) and Americas Committee for Treatment and Research in MS (ACTRIMS
https://www.actrims.org).
ABOUT MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS
MS is an unpredictable, often disabling disease of the central nervous system. Currently there is no cure, but treatments are available. An estimated 2.8 million people live with MS in the world. It is usually diagnosed between the ages of 20-50, with women three times more often affected compared to men.
