Meet Dr. Timothy Coetzee, Society Chief Research Officer
Hear the presentation (30 minutes)
Dr. Timothy Coetzee has been a leader in the pursuit of innovative ways to move us closer to a world free of multiple sclerosis since receiving his PhD in microbiology and immunology in 1993. He has contributed to the field of MS research in numerous ways, including everything from his postdoctoral work researching the structure and function of myelin, to ultimately helping to create programs such as the Society’s Translational Research Partnerships in Nervous System Repair and Protection in MS. His extraordinary experience in multiple areas have demonstrated proven ability to create critical partnerships and effective collaborations worldwide to move research and treatment forward faster for people affected by all forms of MS.
Under Dr. Coetzee’s leadership, the National MS Society created its Career Transition Fellowship, the first transition award for postdoctoral fellows to be established by a patient advocacy organization, and the MS Clinician Scientist Development Award, a joint venture award between the National MS Society and the American Academy of Neurology to recruit young physician-scientists to MS clinical research.
Dr. Coetzee was also a leader in establishing the Translational Research Partnerships in Nervous System Repair and Protection in MS Program, a five-year, $15 million commitment to fund four large collaborative research teams focused on developing tools and strategies to promote nervous system repair and protection in MS. This program became the cornerstone of the Society’s $32 million Promise: 2010 campaign and Dr. Coetzee was a major force in raising funds for the accomplishment of those efforts.
Ms. Kate Milliken is a film and television producer and founder of Milligrace Productions, a company specializing in 12-15 minute personal documentaries. She has been involved in the MS movement since her diagnosis in 2006. Most recently, she applied her professional production talents and passion for a world free of MS to the Society’s inspirational We Keep Moving series. Ms. Milliken will be the Society’s featured interviewer for the 2011 series of research calls.