The European Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ECTRIMS) today announced the publication of the Patient Community Day 2025 Impact Report, providing a comprehensive overview of this year’s landmark event and the growing global movement to place people living with MS, NMOSD, and MOGAD at the centre of scientific exchange.
Held alongside the ECTRIMS Congress in Barcelona, PCD 2025 achieved record-breaking reach, welcoming 3,537 registered participants and 2,383 attendees—an 85% increase from 2024. Participants joined from 89 countries, making this the most globally representative Patient Community Day since its launch in 2022.
“This year, PCD had a patient insight session for the first time, which I absolutely loved”, said Roxy Murray, a person living with MS and Founder of Multiple Sclerosis Fashionista, a PCD Supporting Partner. “Our voice also needs to be heard. Patients love to hear from other patients. And for the neurologists and other clinicians in the room, it’s important they hear those insights. When they go back to their hospitals and offices, they can think about different things they have heard, and how they can use that to build better services and research.”
The full report is available at: https://www.ectrimspatientcommunity.eu/impact-report/
Key Takeaways from the 2025 PCD Impact Report
Unprecedented Global Participation
- 3,537 registrations (+34% from 2024, +264% since 2022)
- 2,383 attendees, with the strongest-ever online turnout
- Participants from 89 countries across all world regions
- 500+ online questions and comments
- A Growing Network of Supporting Partners
Over 40 Supporting Partners from 17 countries (double 2024)
- First-ever partner from Africa (MS South Africa)
- Expanded involvement across Europe, North America, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and Africa
- Programme Innovations
First full People with Lived Experience Panel
- Expanded session topics: biomarkers, smouldering MS, artificial intelligence, genetics, cognition, rehabilitation, infections and vaccinations
- A global “Ask the Expert” online session enabling real-time patient–researcher exchange
- Year-round digital ecosystem launched, including PCD Advocacy Blog, Newsletter, and dedicated website
What Participants Told Us (Based on Participant Survey)
- 95% found the event relevant and valuable
- 91% rated the experience good or excellent
- 79% will use the information in discussions with healthcare teams
- 99% intend to or may attend Patient Community Day again in 2026
These results confirm that PCD not only informs—it empowers.
Leadership Reflections
PCD organisers emphasised that partnership and patient leadership are at the heart of the event’s success.
“This year, our priority was ensuring that scientific knowledge reaches people living with these conditions in every corner of the world. That is only possible through our Supporting Partners. Their collaboration demonstrates the power of a global community working together.” — Bruno Stankoff, ECTRIMS President
Looking Ahead to 2026
PCD 2026 will take place on 23 October 2026 in Toronto, coinciding with the tri-annual joint ECTRIMS–ACTRIMS meeting. Building on the 2025 momentum, next year’s programme will further expand global access, multilingual engagement, patient involvement, and scientific collaboration.
About Patient Community Day
Launched in 2022, Patient Community Day ensures that the latest findings from the ECTRIMS Congress are translated into clear, practical insights for people living with MS, NMOSD, and MOGAD. It provides a platform where patients, researchers, clinicians, and advocates come together to share experiences, learn from one another, and influence the future of neurological research and care.
About ECTRIMS
ECTRIMS is the world’s largest professional organisation dedicated to the understanding, treatment, and management of MS and related neurological conditions. Each year, thousands of researchers and healthcare professionals attend its Annual Congress to share and discuss the latest scientific advances.
For media inquiries, interviews, or further information, please contact:
ECTRIMS Communications
ectrims.communications@congrex.com