ECTRIMS community day 2025 – Lucy, an Overcoming MS community member, reports back

This year’s ECTRIMS conference (European Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis) was bigger than ever, with over 9,600 people joining in person and online.

Among the scientific sessions and clinical updates, ECTRIMS Community Day stood out as a chance for people living with MS to hear directly from leading experts about the latest research and to reflect on what it means in everyday life. Overcoming MS was proud to be a supporting partner of this year’s Community Day, helping to ensure that the voices and experiences of people living with MS were represented alongside the science.

While the main focus remained on treatments and clinical advances, it was encouraging to see more recognition of lifestyle and wellbeing as part of MS management. Speakers discussed cognition, sleep, mood, physical activity, and diet in the context of brain health, with the rehabilitation panel calling for these aspects to be seen as essential, not optional. 

You can watch the 2025 community day on YouTube here

We asked Overcoming MS community member Lucy O’Hara to share what it was like to attend the Community Day in person. She travelled from Ireland to Barcelona and gave us her reflections on the experience. 

Lucy’s first impressions 

POSSIBILITY and PROBABILITY… but most of all DETERMINATION. These seemed to be the hallmarks of this year’s ECTRIMS conference. A bold conference by any stretch. To gather together the most ambitious scientific, medical minds, peer groups and individuals in one room.  

Arriving at the conference centre is how I imagined arriving at the BAFTA awards might be. Right from the start I was treated like a mini celebrity for the day. The decoration, the wonderful support staff, the Spanish hosts made me feel like I was about to receive an award. The conference room buzzed. Open generous spirits and souls in the room and on the stage. Camaraderie was the single unifying feeling. 

Diversity was shining. Differences in thinking, in approaches and at times healthcare principles were apparent but always respectfully managed.  

What’s new and what’s not 

There were some incredible people on stage who really stole the show. We even had an opportunity to go and grab anyone who excited us and exchange energies. 

I felt the themes were quite standard: Research updates, treatment options and medication. However, excitingly, more weighting was given to aspects of well-being and advocacy than in the past. Many of us living with the condition were sitting with ears pricked for more tips and tricks. Perhaps seeking affirmations that the way we choose to supplement our care and support daily through the Overcoming MS Program is valuable, or at least valued. 

On reflection, some people felt that we might have benefited more from a more in-depth look at exercise, food, nutrition, sleep and cognitive functioning. So, I was a little disappointed there, but what it has revealed to me is that our community in Overcoming MS really are punching above our weight. It left me knowing I am more committed to the community and supporting it to grow locally and internationally. 

We need to find a way to sit at the table with the medics and scientists because the quality of what we provide is of that standard. 

Final thoughts  

A great experience. I think for me, the knowledge I gained from the platform was significant, but the opportunity to discuss this around the table with peers was the privilege of attending. Being able to connect with people beyond the condition was wonderful. A positive network of people determined to thrive and thrive together!