Future leaders in research recognised with Parkinson’s UK funding award

Our latest senior research fellowship prizes have been awarded to Dr Marta Camacho of the University of Cambridge, and Dr Shenghong He of the University of Oxford.

The senior research fellowships are designed to recognise future leaders of Parkinson’s research, and provide them with funds to set up their own project teams as they develop their careers.

Meet the award winners

Dr Marta Camacho will be exploring how constipation, and a build up of methane in the gut, might lead to thinking and memory problems for people with Parkinson’s. Her project will work with people with and without Parkinson’s, asking them to monitor the amount of methane in their breath, as well as keep a log of how their symptoms may be changing over time. She will also explore if taking a probiotic can help reduce thinking and memory problems by reducing levels of methane in the gut.

Marta said: "This work builds on my PhD which showed that methane in the gut was linked to memory and thinking problems in Parkinson’s, a finding that contradicts previous research. This was really puzzling, and I think other funders would have hesitated to support further research.

"Parkinson’s UK involves people with Parkinson’s in their funding decisions, and they were just as puzzled as me about my research question. They took a chance on my project and I was granted the fellowship to continue my research. I am very grateful to Parkinson’s UK."

Dr Shenghong He will focus on gaining a deeper understanding of the areas of the brain that are linked to problems with movement, such as tremor or difficulties walking, in people with Parkinson’s. He will be using a non-invasive technique called focused ultrasound stimulation to look at how brain cells talk to each other in people who have undergone deep brain stimulation surgery. His work aims to improve the process of invasive and non-invasive deep brain stimulation, and make it more effective.

Shenghong said: "I am delighted to be awarded this fellowship. I look forward to working closely with Parkinson’s UK and its diverse network to advance my research, particularly in using brain-computer interfaces and neuromodulation to improve the understanding and management of Parkinson’s.

"I would also like to extend my gratitude to those who are donating and supporting Parkinson’s research, as together we are making a significant difference."

Both researchers have already demonstrated great promise in the field of Parkinson’s research, which was reflected in the strength of their applications for the award. 

Funding based on the priorities of the Parkinson's community

Mark is a research volunteer, and was part of a panel of people from the Parkinson’s community asked to assess applications for the funding. 

Mark said: “As a person with Parkinson’s, it can often feel that little progress is being made in the treatment options and in the search for a cure.

“I found the experience [of reviewing applications] as a lay grant co-ordinator both reassuring and humbling. The quality of the candidates applying for the fellowship, their depth of knowledge, expertise, passion and commitment was outstanding.”

Find out more about the lay grant reviewer role and how you can help decide what we fund.