As Rachel began researching the disease from a patient perspective, she realised that although women are three times more likely to live with MS compared to men, their specific health needs have been routinely overlooked. She also noticed female neurologists and scientists were consistently passed over when it came to winning awards in the MS scientific community.

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It wasn't hard to conclude that women are valued less than men - be it as an MS patient or as a researcher. That's why she decided to set up a prize to reward a woman scientist for her work in furthering our understanding of women's health issues and treatment strategies in MS.

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"By creating this award, I want to say to all the women researching this complex, challenging disease - you matter, you make a difference. So thank you."    

Rachel Horne

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Because when she wins, all women with MS win.