Our two research director roles
From 1 April, we're introducing the new role of Director of the Parkinson’s Virtual Biotech alongside the existing role of Director of Research.
We've created an additional research leadership role so that we can provide focus, expertise and drive for all of the different research areas we work in.
Current Director of Research, Dr Arthur Roach, will be taking on a new role as the Director of the Parkinson’s Virtual Biotech, the drug development and discovery arm the charity established in 2017.
Professor David Dexter will be promoted from Associate Director of Research to Director of Research and will oversee the charity’s grants programme, as well as other key strategic projects. The changes come into effect on 1 April.
To date, we've funded over £100m of research into Parkinson's. The 2 sides of the research programme will continue to complement each other as we seek new treatments and more effective ways of managing the symptoms of the condition.
Caroline Rassell, Chief Executive, said:
"This change maximises the years of expertise that Arthur and David bring to the charity and allows them to work side by side, as they drive forward the groundbreaking work in their respective areas to deliver the results that are so desperately needed. I am confident that the future of our research programme is in the very best of hands."
Our research directors
Director of the Parkinson’s Virtual Biotech
Arthur will be responsible for overseeing the drug development portfolio, as well as ensuring the programme’s future by bringing on new partners.
"When we established the Parkinson’s Virtual Biotech in 2017, we always believed that one day its successes would require us to expand our senior leadership. Following recent milestones including our first strategic partner in the Parkinson’s Foundation, the completion of our first phase 2a trial and another project securing Series A funding, that time has come.
"We’re confident that this innovative approach to developing new Parkinson’s treatments is working."
Director of Research
David will be responsible for the Parkinson’s UK Brain Bank, Critical Pathway for Parkinson’s and our research communications and involvement teams.
"Our important work is delivering what the community is calling out for – ways in which they can relieve symptoms right now and allow them to manage and monitor their condition whilst new drug based treatments are developed.
"Central to our work will always be the voices of people with Parkinson’s; work our involvement teams spearhead not only for us, but for many other research activities across the world."