Meet RiMS

Welcome to RiMS

RiMS is the European network for best practice and research in Multiple Sclerosis rehabilitation. We bring together healthcare professionals, researchers, and patient organisations from across Europe to enhance activity, participation, and autonomy for people living with Multiple Sclerosis.

Our Mission

Our mission is to develop and promote evidence-based rehabilitation that enables people with Multiple Sclerosis to live full, active, and independent lives. We aim to raise the profile of MS rehabilitation, deepen understanding of its importance at every stage of the condition, and encourage strong collaboration between researchers and clinicians. By doing so, we generate new evidence, support proven practices, and help professionals integrate the latest knowledge into daily care.

Our Vision

We envision a future where all people with Multiple Sclerosis across Europe have timely access to high-quality, evidence-based rehabilitation that is tailored to their individual needs. Rehabilitation is a personalised process of learning and adaptation that empowers individuals with MS to maximise independence, participation, and overall quality of life. Through shared expertise and commitment, we strive to ensure these opportunities are available to everyone who needs them.

RiMS 30-Year Anniversary Video

Learn more about RiMS in the following video, created in 2021 to celebrate the 30-year anniversary of the organization.

Featuring in this video:

  • Carme Santoyo – former Chair of the SIG Mobility
  • Anne Rahn – former Chair of the SIG Patient Autonomy
  • Vincent de Groot – member of the Advisory Board
  • Claude Vaney – founding member and member of the Advisory Board
  • Mario Battaglia – founding member and member of the Advisory Board
  • Peter Feys – member of the Advisory Board
  • Leonie Ruhak – former Chair of the SIG Communication & Swallowing
  • Lousin Moumdjian – member of the Advisory Board
  • Sara Rinaldi – former co-Chair of the SIG Bladder, Bowel & Sexuality
  • Jurg Kesselring – Senior Ambassador Neurology
  • Anne Helme – member of the Advisory Board
  • François Bethoux – IJMSC Director
  • Abhishek Srivastava – Multiple Sclerosis & Demyelinating Disorders, WFNR
  • Andrea Giordano – former co-Chair of the SIG Patient Autonomy

Administration

RIMS is managed by an Executive Board, which in accordance with the bylaws, shall be composed of eight elected officers, including President, Secretary and Treasurer.

RIMS is affiliated to the European Platform of MS Societies, ECTRIMS and the Consortium of North American MS Centres.

  • The Executive Board shall have the power to establish Special Interest Groups (SIG) to stimulate and promote interest in patient management and research in MS.
  • An Advisory Board shall be created to support and assist the Executive Board. The Executive Board may invite members of the Advisory Board to meet before the general assembly or more often if necessary.
  • The Advisory Board shall be composed of five to six members. Founding members of RIMS shall form the initial Advisory Board. Every three years the most senior member of the Advisory Board shall step down and the outgoing president shall become a member of the Advisory Board.

RiMS Platform and all operations are managed by Laurea, a Belgian agency specializing in strategic communications, education and learning initiatives.

Elections

  • According to the bylaws elections of the officers of RIMS shall take place every three years.
  • Candidates shall be nominated and seconded by members of RIMS. Nominations shall be submitted to the secretariat at least 2 weeks prior to the general assembly.
  • Nomination for President, Secretary and Treasurer shall be made by the Executive Board.
  • At the general assembly each centre will have six votes at their disposal. One delegate shall be responsible for each centre and determine the six effective members or their proxies. Individual members will have one vote or one proxy.
  • The composition of the Executive Board shall reflect the interdisciplinary team approach to rehabilitation.
  • There shall be a maximum of two representatives of any European country on the Executive Board.

Special Interest Groups

The Executive Board has established a number of Special Interest Groups (SIG). These groups shall promote research and improve the management of Persons with MS and their caregivers. Different groups have been created:

  • SIG on Mobility
  • SIG on Bladder, Bowel and Sexuality
  • SIG on Communication & Swallowing
  • SIG on Mood & Cognition
  • SIG on Occupation
  • SIG on Patient Autonomy

If appropriate, additional Special Interest Groups may be created. The appointment of the chairman and co-chairman of the SIGs shall be made by the Executive Board with guidance from the members of the individual SIGs. These groups meet at least once a year at the annual meeting. The groups are also encouraged to hold an annual in-between meeting. Active groups are supported financially by RIMS.

RIMS Awards

At the annual meeting, the RIMS awards for the best platform presentation and the best poster presentation shall be awarded. The rules and the amount of the awards shall be proposed by the Executive Board and approved by the general assembly.

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