Research volunteering opportunities
People with Parkinson's are the experts on the condition. We make sure their voices are heard in research. Find out the different ways you can join us and get involved.
Who can volunteer?
You don't need a scientific background to get involved in research towards better treatments and a cure.
We're keen to recruit volunteers from all backgrounds. You don't have to have the condition yourself, you could be a partner, family member, close friend or healthcare professional. Your personal experience is what counts.
Apply for our research volunteer roles
Our lay grant reviewers form an important part of how we fund research. They help us to review research applications, to help decide what research we fund.
Anyone who has a personal connection to Parkinson’s can be a lay grant reviewer, no matter what their background or experience. You'll use your unique experience of Parkinson's to contribute to this role.
Read more about this role and find out how to apply.
In this role people work alongside researchers to design and shape vital Parkinson's research. This could include helping researchers to identify important research questions, commenting on study documents or contributing to the design of how the study might be carried out.
Watch a short clip explaining the vital importance of patient and public involvement.
Research Champions help to raise awareness of Parkinson's research and encourage more people in their local area to get involved.
Each month we send our Research Champions a variety of information to share with their networks. Helping more people to find out about the latest Parkinson’s research news, events and opportunities to take part in research.
Parkinson’s affects people of all ethnicities and races, but we know that the majority of people involved in Parkinson’s research in the UK are White. To deliver a better understanding of Parkinson’s as well as treatments and care for everyone, we urgently need this to change.
We’re looking for people with Parkinson’s and their family, friends and carers, as well as researchers, professionals and community leaders from Black, Asian or Mixed Race backgrounds to join this project steering group. This group will use their lived experience to shape and guide this important work.
Read more about this role and find out how to apply.
Our Research Interest Groups (RIGs) are made up of people with Parkinson's, loved ones, and researchers. They work to keep everyone in the Parkinson’s community up to date on research news and opportunities to take part and shape research. They meet regularly, often online, to discuss the latest research and what’s happening locally.
This includes organising a range of excellent research events.
We are looking for volunteers to shape our annual research magazine, Progress. The aim of the magazine is to keep the Parkinson’s community up to date with the latest research. We’re always striving to make the content as engaging and accessible as possible, and we need your help!
We are looking for people with Parkinson’s or their loved ones to help shape our magazine. We are particularly interested in hearing from people who can offer the perspective of:
- Being newly diagnosed (within the past 2 years)
- Living with young onset Parkinson’s (diagnosed under the age of 50)
- Being from a Black, Asian, Arab or mixed heritage background
- Living in Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland
Nicky, shares her experience:
“My role on the Progress editorial board is using my personal experiences of Parkinson’s to help other members. We help to develop the magazine and decide what to put in it. I love the fact that everybody listens to our views, because everybody is so different. Everyone's diagnosis, symptoms or experience varies, it works really well. I think that’s the value."
Read more about the Progress editorial board role and get in touch.
Get in touch
If you're interested in volunteering with the Parkinson’s UK Research team we'd love to hear from you.
Email us at [email protected] or phone Liz Nash, Research Support Network Manager, on 020 7963 9398.
We believe Parkinson’s research should involve, include and represent all members of the community.
Browse the research looking for people to take part, from questionnaires to trialling new treatments.
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