Research Champions: let's raise awareness of research
Activities and information to help Research Champions get more people involved in research.
Listen: Talking Parkinson’s Research
The role of the Immune System in Parkinson's - Dr Caroline Williams-Gray, University of Cambridge
Dr Caroline Williams-Gray, carried out long term studies following people with Parkinson’s and uncovered connections which are helping to answer one of the biggest questions - why does Parkinson's develop differently from person to person. She is now focusing on inflammatory changes in the brain, which are thought to impact those who go on to develop Dementia.
Get involved in research: Mick's story
When Mick, 71, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s, he didn’t expect it would lead him to take part in more than 60 research studies. Read about his story which also appears in Progress 2026, our research magazine.
Print and share our Research Round up
This month we share the latest research exploring the role of the environment in Parkinson’s, and highlight 5 new research projects we’re funding to find better treatments and ways to manage the condition.
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.
This leaflet is designed as an introduction to Parkinson's 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 urgently need volunteers to raise awareness for TOP HAT, a clinical trial researching a much-needed new treatment for Parkinson’s hallucinations.
Can you share posters or flyers with local Parkinson's groups, Age UK centres, or community hubs in one of our priority areas?
Priority areas:
Salford, Leeds, Sunderland, Sutton-in-Ashfield, Shrewsbury, Tooting, Central London, Romford, Luton, Bury St Edmund, Christchurch, Plymouth, Southampton, Belfast, Edinburgh.
More ways to get involved with research
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 group. The group meets quarterly online via Zoom.
Become a Parkinson's UK member so 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.
Find useful resources to help you in your role including a template presentation, an FAQ information sheet and easy actions you can take.