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 the experiences of our lay grant reviewers on the Parkinson's UK blog.
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.
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.
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.
In 2024, we are bringing back Par-Con, our research conference for the Parkinson's community!
The event will see the community come together, both in-person and online, for a day filled with exciting research updates as well as practical tips and support for living well with the condition. We are looking for volunteers to join our Par-Con working group and share their experience and expertise. The group will play a crucial role in shaping the event and bringing people together in late 2024.
Read more about this role and how to apply.
Deadline for applications is 17 December.
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.
We believe Parkinson’s research should involve, include and represent all members of the community.
Find out how our volunteers are helping to shape various research projects.
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