Research Champions: let's raise awareness of research
Activities and information to help Research Champions get more people involved in research.
Share our 2024 research summary
2024 was a busy year for Parkinson’s research, both in research results and in how the community has come together to push for better. Read our blog about some of the highlights in Parkinson’s research over the past year.
Share a webinar about mood and motivation changes in Parkinson’s
The Michael J. Fox Foundation (MJFF) held an online webinar to discuss ‘Managing the hidden symptoms: mood and motivation changes in Parkinson’s’.
Depression, anxiety and apathy are mood changes that some, but not all, people living with Parkinson’s experience, and they can occur at any point in the Parkinson's journey. In this webinar panellists discuss how mood changes can impact life, tips and treatments to manage them, and the latest research on these non-motor symptoms.
When? Available anytime
Where? Online. Register to watch on the Michael J Fox Foundation website.
Watch the latest 'No Silver Bullet 4 PD' research update
Dr Simon Stott is the Director of Research at Cure Parkinson's. Originally from New Zealand, Dr Stott has more than 20 years of experience in the field of Parkinson's research.
Dr Stott gives us his annual review of the main Parkinson's research takeaways from 2024 and the research results he will be looking for in 2025.
Dr Stott also maintains the 'Science of Parkinson's' website, which attempts to explain current Parkinson's research in plain English.
When? Available anytime
Where? Online. Watch the webinar on YouTube.
This leaflet is designed as a 'first touch' information resource for everyone who is interested in research. You can order 20 leaflets at a time for free.
Great for introducing your neighbours, local GP surgery, Parkinson's support group or patients to research.
We'll give the group an overview of the latest research and how the Parkinson's community can get involved through our Research Support Network.
Individual groups can request a member of our research team join them via Zoom. We may be able to attend larger events in-person.
Print and share our Research Roundup
This month we reflect on Parkinson's research highlights in 2024, and thank you for the role you play in helping push forward Parkinson’s research.
Download and share the full Research Round Up below or a shorter version.
There are instructions for claiming printing expenses from the Research Support Network below.
You can claim printing expenses from the Research Support Network.
Complete a volunteer expenses form with Liz Nash as your named staff contact and attach or scan and insert all receipts to the form. Then email or post the form to [email protected].
You can download our PDF about volunteer expenses for more information.
More ways to get involved with research
Everyone is welcome to become a Research Champion for a local group, whether you're affected by Parkinson's or not.
Email Alex at [email protected] and we can help connect you with a local group.
Become a Parkinson's UK member to you can receive our research magazine, Progress, delivered by post.
You can also download the latest edition of Progress to share by email.
RIGs are made up of people with Parkinson's and their loved ones, students, researchers and healthcare professionals. They meet frequently, online and in person, to share the latest research and what's happening locally.
Join the East of England Research Interest Group's 'Research Reading Group'
The Research Reading Group was put together to help people understand scientific papers published on Parkinson's.
Parkinson's researcher Dr. Lucy Annett at the University of Hertfordshire hosts the reading groups. Anyone who is interested is welcome to join. The group meets quarterly online via Zoom at a time to suit members.
Other ways to raise awareness of research in your community
- Encourage your community to join the Research Support Network to get connected with the latest research news, events and opportunities by email.
- Find research that is looking for people to take part in your local area on the Take Part Hub.
- Share the latest updates about Parkinson's research from our research blog, or research news on our website.
- Share Parkinson's UK research YouTube videos on your social media.
- Invite your community to our online and in-person research events.
- Read more about the research projects Parkinson's UK is currently funding in our latest Active Research Grants update.
- Let people know about the Parkinson's UK Brain Bank, which collects precious tissue from people with and without Parkinson's who have decided to leave their brains to Parkinson's research.
- Present to your local support group about research and how to take part. You can find template presentations here. Need some guidance on presenting to a group? Contact Alice at [email protected]
Stuck on what to do next or need more support?
Get in touch with Alice Keogh Research Participation and Engagement Officer at Parkinson's UK.
Email [email protected] or call 020 7963 3610.