Drug accelerator awards
We need to accelerate and drive forward the development of novel drugs for the treatment of Parkinson’s.
The next round of funding will be opening in June 2026.
What type of project are we looking for?
We fund projects for up to 18 months and expect projects to have a 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 the Parkinson’s Virtual Biotech.
Project grants 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
Thursday 23 July 2026, on Zoom.
- Hear more about the award scheme and eligibility.
- Discuss your research ideas with members of the Parkinson's UK research and drug discovery team.
- Information on meaningful patient and public involvement (PPI) and equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI).
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.
Information for applicants - drug accelerator awards 2026 (PDF, 499KB)
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
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