Drug accelerator awards
We need to accelerate and drive forward the development of novel drugs for the treatment of Parkinson's.
Apply
2026
The deadline for preproposals has passed; invited applicants will have until Thursday 22 October 2026 to submit a full application.
2027
Round 1 - The deadline for preproposals is Thursday 14 January 4pm 2027; invited applicants will have until Tuesday 9 March 2027 to submit a full application.
Round 2 - The deadline for preproposals is Thursday 2 September 4pm 2027; invited applicants will have until Thursday 21 October 2027 to submit a full application.
What type of project are we looking for?
We fund projects for up to 18 months and expect projects to have a clear focus on translational drug development to make a difference to people with Parkinson's. We fund projects that will:
- help pioneer and accelerate novel drug development for the treatment of Parkinson's,
-
generate data to get compounds ready to enter full scale drug discovery with an industry partner or Parkinson's Research Ventures: A Parkinson's UK initiative.
Drug accelerator awards are usually funded up to £150,000. For projects involving in vivo work, an award amount of up to £200,000 will be considered.
Virtual workshop about applying for a drug accelerator award
Watch back our workshop to find out more about this grant scheme, eligibility and information on meaningful patient and public involvement.
Email [email protected] to request the recording.
How to apply?
- Eligibility: Must be based at a UK university, NHS Trust or small start-up biotech companies. Co-applicants and collaborators may be based at institutions outside the UK or biotech companies.
- Inclusion: We actively encourage applications from all sections of the community, regardless of race, ethnicity, sex, gender identity, age, disability, sexual orientation, or religion.
- Fill in the application form: Applications are not currently open but will be done through our online application system.
- Need support? Get in touch with our Research Grants team.
What do we expect from applicants?
All applicants are expected to work with people with lived experience of Parkinson's throughout the research process and in the development of their application.
We also expect applicants to have considered equity, diversity and inclusion in all aspects of research, as we strive for equity for everyone who lives with Parkinson's, and the people in their lives. We particularly have guidance for researchers on ethnicity and inclusion.
How are applications reviewed?
All preproposal applications are reviewed and triaged by an in-house panel of experts. Full applications are reviewed by a grants panel of industrial, academic, Parkinson's UK experts and people affected by Parkinson's.
What was the success rate for 2025 applications?
17 preproposals were submitted, resulting in 10 full application invitations and 3 applications recommended for funding.
Recently funded projects
We support a range of research, from better understanding the brain's self-cleaning process and to blocking harmful fats to protect brain cells in Parkinson's.
Get updates on grants
Be the first to find out about funding, events, news and opportunities in the world of research by signing up to Synapse - our enewsletter for the Parkinson's research community.