Resources and support for researchers
As the UK's largest Parkinson's charity, there are many ways we can support your research. And you don't need a Parkinson's UK grant to qualify.
Discover how we can support your research
We can help you recruit participants by sharing your research with our supporters.
There are many ways we can support you to involve people with Parkinson's in a meaningful and timely way, whether you're applying for funding or conducting your research.
We've developed a toolkit that will help you stay in touch with your participants throughout your research study, making them more likely to be involved in research again.
We believe Parkinson’s research should involve, include and represent all members of the community. Discover how you can help us work towards race equality in Parkinson's research.
- The Parkinson's UK Brain Bank provides tissue to researchers in the UK and around the world who are working towards a cure for Parkinson's.
Find out more about the Parkinson's UK Brain Bank and make a request.
Currently there are 2 Parkinson's UK funded cohorts:
- Tracking Parkinson's, or the PRoBaND study, is a UK-based multi-centre prospective longitudinal study, informed by epidemiological and biomarker data. The study aims to define and explain these variations by analysing the clinical expression of Parkinson's in relation to genotypic variation. The cohort consists of 2,270 Parkinson’s participants and 344 siblings.
Data/bio-samples: Patient level data along with blood samples are available. - The OPDC Discovery cohort is a prospective, longitudinal study that has recruited 1,087 patients with early idiopathic Parkinson's, 300 healthy controls and 111 participants at risk of PD. The study also includes 151 participants with REM Sleep Behaviour Disorder.
Data/bio-samples: Patient level and CSF biomarker data, along with MRI brain imaging data are available. Blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples are also available.
- The Parkinson's Excellence Network provides Parkinson's specific resources and learning opportunities for those working or interested in health and social care. Find out more about the Excellence Network or sign up to the Excellence Network e-newsletter to get the latest news, training, resources and events for professionals.
- The UK Parkinson's Disease Clinical Studies Group (UK PD-CSG) is made up of 80+ members, including clinicians, researchers, and people with Parkinson’s, involved in Parkinson's, MSA, and PSP clinical research and care. The group aims to further develop and support Parkinson’s research across the UK. The UK PD-CSG meets online regularly. To learn more or join the group, please visit the UK PD-CSG website.
- We're happy to encourage and support research into Parkinson's in all areas by providing a letter of support for your application for funding.
Find out more about letters of support or complete the application form (Word, 84KB). - Discover the list of priority areas for improving everyday life in Parkinson's.
- Parkinson's UK is a National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) non-commercial partner. This means the studies that we fund may be eligible to access NIHR Clinical Research Network (CRN) support.
Find out how the NIHR can help you.
Our most popular type of support is via our research grants. These are available to both lab-based and clinical Parkinson's researchers and support every stage of their careers.
Be the first to find out about funding, events, news and opportunities in the world of research by signing up to Synapse, our newsletter for the Parkinson's research community.
Finding a cure will take time, so we also champion research to improve quality of life for people with Parkinson's and their families.
Further information about our support
Please note that researchers seeking participants are not permitted to approach local groups or post on the discussion forum without prior approval from the Parkinson's UK research team.