Kenneth P. Johnson Memorial Lecture

ACTRIMS is proud to present an annual lecture named in honor of the late Dr. Kenneth P. Johnson who spearheaded the foundation of ACTRIMS. The lecture provides an opportunity to hear from a prestigious clinician or researcher selected for their knowledge, accomplishments, and contributions related to multiple sclerosis. To learn more about Kenneth P. Johnson and past lecturers, click here. 

2025 Lecturer: Jack Antel, MD, McGill University

Dr. Jack Antel is a clinical neurologist who coordinates the multiple sclerosis research and treatment program at the Montreal Neurological Institute. He is a Professor at McGill University where he has served as Chairman of the Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery.

Prior to his work at McGill, Dr. Antel was a Professor of Neurology at the University of Chicago. He was the initial director of the Canadian Institute of Health Research supported training program in Neuro-inflammation. From 2007-2015, he was the National Scientific Director of the endMS Research and Training Network supported by the MS Society of Canada. Dr. Antel served as Chairman of the Medical Advisory Board of the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada from January 2004-2007. From 2004 to 2006 he served as President of the International Society of Neuroimmunology. He served as president of ACTRIMS from 2016-2019. From 2006-2019, he served as the Editor for the Americas of the Multiple Sclerosis Journal. Dr. Antel has published more than 450 articles in scientific journals. He was the recipient of the 2005 Dystel Award from the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and the American Academy of Neurology.

Dr. Antel’s research interests include understanding the mechanisms of tissue injury and repair that occur in MS and how these can be therapeutically targeted.