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

Read more about this role and find out how to apply.

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.

Read more about this role and find out how to apply

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

Find out more about our groups

Read more about this role and find out how to apply.

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.