About Us
Our Mission
National MSA Research Australia is committed to funding vital research into Multiple System Atrophy (MSA).
We have a two-fold mission: to raise funds for crucial research and increase public awareness of MSA.
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National MSA Research is a registered non-profit charity with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) and holds Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).​
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"Combatting MSA together, until the world is free of MSA"
Who We Are
National MSA Research was founded on October 2, 2024, following the diagnosis of Directors Kieran and Nathan's father with Multiple System Atrophy (MSA). The diagnosis came as a shock to the family, who were previously unaware of the condition. Initial research revealed limited information regarding effective treatments or a cure.
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In response to the scarcity of MSA support services in Australia, Kieran along side with two directors founded National MSA Research, In March 2025 the board of directors welcomed Nathan to the board
Our team is committed to fund research to support MSA patients and their families.
Directors
Kieran Klep (Director)
Kieran is a Manager at a major supermarket chain. And is one of the Founding members of National MSA Research, This came about as Kieran's late Father was diagnosed in 2022, There seems to be not much available online for Australians, This charity is dedicated to push for more research. ​ Kieran has an background of Multimedia and IT knowledge previously working for the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne and NEP (Formally Global TV)
Roshan Mathew Sinnan (Director)
Nathan Klep (Director)
Roshan (Rosh) was approached and appointed to the Board in September 2024 to aid with the formation of the charity. Rosh brings a diverse range of experience from a range of sectors including Accounting, Tax, Education and Teaching. Rosh has volunteered over the years for various charitable endeavours including the Australian Red Cross blood donation, fund raising for mental health awareness, and providing meals to the homelessness during his time at University. Rosh is a Tax Manager working with high wealth private groups and holds a Bachelor of Commerce from Deakin University with majors in Accounting and Finance. He is also a private piano teacher registered with the Victoria Music Teachers Association that teaches following the Australian Music Examination Board (AMEB) syllabus.
With over 15 years of management experience in the retail industry and more than a decade as a dedicated real estate agent, Nathan brings a wealth of expertise in leadership, customer service, and market knowledge. My commitment to excellence and community impact led to my appointment by National MSA Research in March 2025, recognizing my skills and dedication. Beyond Nathan’s professional career, Nathan actively volunteers with local parishes and coordinating charity events, building strong relationships with Sponsors and Donora, striving to make a meaningful difference. Whether guiding clients through real estate decisions or leading community initiatives, Nathan is passionate about creating positive change.
Research Advisory Board
Professor Glenda Halliday AC PhD FAA FAHMS
University of Sydney Brain and Mind Centre & Faculty of Medicine and Health
Professor Glenda Halliday is a career neuroscientist specialising in neurodegeneration (h-index 145, >109,000 cites, Google Scholar). She has been a Fellow of the National Health & Medical Research Council (NHMRC) since 1990, and is currently a NHMRC leadership fellow at The University of Sydney. Glenda started her research in neuroscience by studying the neurochemical dopamine and its systems in a variety of animal species, including humans. Her focus on understanding the brain and its workings in people that has distinguished her neuroscience career. Her research has provided the evidence base for international diagnostic criteria for neurodegenerative diseases. Recognitions include memberships to the Australian Academy of Science and the Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences and an Order of Australia, as well as through the following and other awards; 2022 NSW Scientist of the year, 2021 Robert A. Pritzker Prize for Leadership in Parkinson’s Research by the Michael J Fox Foundation, 2020 and 2014 NHMRC Elizabeth Blackburn Awards, 2016 Cozzarelli Prize for outstanding 2015 paper, National Academy of Sciences, USA; 2011 Nina Kondelos Prize for outstanding neuroscience, Australian Neuroscience Society.
Medical Advisory Board
Dr Nirosen Vijiaratnam MBBS BMedSci FRACP FRCP PhD
Head of Movement Disorders, Monash Health
Adjunct Senior Lecturer, School of Clinical Sciences, Department of Medicine, Monash University
Dr Nirosen Vijiaratnam is a Consultant Neurologist and was appointed as head of the Movement disorders service at Monash Health in September 2024. He is also an honorary senior lecturer at Monash University. Dr Vijiaratnam completed his PhD on the role of biomarkers in disease modification trials of parkinsonian disorders including MSA at the world renowned UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology and has ongoing active research interests in these areas. He is the principal investigator at Monash Health of several multicentre international clinical trials and leads on a number of studies aiming at improving service delivery for patients with parkinsonian disorders. Dr Vijiaratnam is actively involved with the international Parkinson’s disease and movement disorders society and currently serves on the Clinical Outcome Assessments Scientific Evaluation Committee.