#120: From MS to Advocacy – How One Young Scientist Is Changing the Conversation

👉 Read the full interview as a blog article (including all quotes and topics):
🔗 https://ms-perspektive.com/120-luigi-azzarone

⏱ Time Stamps – Jump to the Part That Matters Most to You:

00:00 – Introduction
02:15 – Luigi's background and MS diagnosis
05:42 – How MS led him to neuroscience
08:30 – Speaking at the European Parliament
12:10 – Main messages to policymakers and youth advocates
15:20 – Barriers in accessible housing for young people with disabilities
18:55 – Why information and awareness are crucial
21:10 – Practical solutions for inclusive housing
24:05 – Transitioning existing buildings into accessible homes
26:30 – The role of youth voices in shaping policy
29:45 – Encouragement for young people with MS
32:10 – Balancing life as a researcher and a patient
35:00 – Hopes for future autoimmune disease research
38:05 – Quickfire questions
40:20 – Final reflections and message to the MS community
42:30 – Where to find Luigi online

📝 Summary

In this episode, Nele speaks with Luigi Azzarone, a young Italian scientist living with multiple sclerosis (MS). Diagnosed at age 17, Luigi transformed his personal experience into motivation for scientific and social impact. Today, he works in regulatory affairs and neuroscience research while actively advocating for accessibility, inclusion, and patient rights.

We discuss Luigi’s speech at the European Parliament, the urgent need for accessible housing, and how awareness campaigns can empower people living with chronic conditions. He shares how living with MS informs his research — and how young people can make their voices heard in science, politics, and beyond.

A must-listen for anyone looking for hope, perspective, and real-world action.

🌐 Mentioned Links & Resources

• MS International Federation (MSIF) – global information & resources
  🔗 https://www.msif.org

• Luigi Azzarone on LinkedIn – connect and follow his work
  🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/luigi-azzarone-1b348119b/

• European Youth Event (EYE) – where Luigi spoke
  🔗 https://european-youth-event.europarl.europa.eu/

💬 If you enjoyed this episode, feel free to share it with others in the MS community. And if you’d like to support the podcast, consider leaving a short review — it helps others find these inspiring stories.

See you soon and try to make the best out of your life,
Nele

For more information and positive thoughts, subscribe to my newsletter for free.

Click here for an overview of all podcast episodes published so far.