We are proud to announce that Professor Ludwig Kappos, CEO of the Research Center for Clinical Neuroimmunology and Neuroscience Basel (RC2NB), has been awarded the 2026 John Dystel Prize for Multiple Sclerosis Research, one of the most prestigious international distinctions in the field.
The award recognizes Professor Kappos’ outstanding and transformative contributions to multiple sclerosis (MS) research over several decades. His work has played a central role in advancing modern MS therapies and shaping the global clinical research landscape in neuroimmunology.
Professor Kappos has been instrumental in the development and evaluation of nearly all currently available disease-modifying therapies for MS, significantly improving outcomes for people living with the disease. In parallel, he has contributed to the standardization of key clinical and research tools, including Neurostatus-EDSS, and to the establishment of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as a cornerstone of MS diagnosis and monitoring.
His research has also advanced the understanding of disease progression, particularly through the concept of progression independent of relapse activity (PIRA), which has reshaped how MS progression is defined and studied.
Beyond his scientific contributions, Professor Kappos has built and led internationally recognized research programs in Basel and has mentored generations of clinicians and scientists, continuing to drive innovation and collaboration in MS research.
Reflecting on the award, Professor Kappos emphasized the importance of teamwork and international collaboration in achieving meaningful progress for people living with MS.
The prize will be formally presented at the American Academy of Neurology Annual Meeting on April 19, 2026, where Professor Kappos will deliver the Dystel Prize Lecture.
For more details, please refer to the original press release: https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1120469
