Take part in research
The Take Part Hub is one of the places where you can contribute to Parkinson’s research. Find a study to take part in and get your questions answered.
Parkinson's research needs everyone. People with and without Parkinson's, of every age, gender and ethnicity. Without volunteers, progress in Parkinson’s research would be impossible.
Taking part in a research study can come in many forms, from questionnaires to trialling new treatments. Some research can be done from home, while other opportunities will involve visiting a hospital or research centre.
Whatever you're ready for, you can make a difference.
The Take Part Hub: find research for you
Our Take Part Hub lets you find research local to you. Once you've found something interesting, just get in touch with the study or project. Their details are at the bottom of each research page.
To get started, type in your postcode, click on your address, and hit enter on your keyboard.
What you need to know
The term clinical research simply means any study that involves people taking part.
Clinical research is vital. It helps us learn more about how our bodies work, what goes wrong in conditions like Parkinson’s, and to test potentially life-changing new treatments and therapies.
Taking part in research could be:
- answering online or paper questionnaires and surveys
- sharing experiences with researchers
- trialling new treatments, therapies and medical devices
- undergoing assessments to look at movement, thinking and memory
- providing samples from blood and saliva to measure specific genes or proteins.
Yes, Parkinson’s research needs you. Parkinson’s research should involve, include, and represent all members of the community.
People with Parkinson’s, people without Parkinson’s. Some studies need newly diagnosed people, whereas others need people who have had Parkinson’s for a long time. Certain studies look at specific symptoms too, and need people with a range of experiences.
Clinical research trials are often delayed because of the difficulty in enrolling participants. Some research has indicated that 45% of clinical studies are held up due to it. We need you to help get new treatments, faster.
Yes, some research can be done from home like filling in questionnaires or wearing a device. Other opportunities will involve visiting a hospital or research centre, such as trialling new drug treatments.
You'll contribute to a better understanding of Parkinson's. And help researchers get closer to finding better treatments and a cure, as well as improving current care for everyone. The more diverse the study group, the more research will reflect the experiences of everyone in the Parkinson’s community.
Many people who take part in research tell us it gives them a feeling of control over what they are experiencing and the chance to be a part of something important.
In some research you will get to spend time with experienced healthcare professionals, giving you the chance to discuss your own situation in more detail and learn more about Parkinson's.
The majority of research studies will not involve any changes to your medication. For some, more complex studies, the researchers may ask you to delay your medication. Speak to the researcher for more information and to decide what’s best for you.
It depends on the study, but the choice is yours. Some studies will involve visits to a hospital or trial site near you and may involve some time commitment for undergoing assessments. Others can be as quick and easy as filling in an online survey.
It depends on the trial but all research studies should offer to reimburse your travel expenses as a minimum.
Some clinical trials may offer a more substantial payment if they require more time or inconvenience for the participant. Reimbursements and payments should be made clear in the study fact sheet that participants must read before taking part. You can always ask the study team if you are unsure or need additional support.
The researchers managing each study will be able to give you more in-depth information. If you have any queries, qualms, or concerns please do ask.
All research studies looking for people to take part have gone through a review process. This process is designed to make sure that everyone taking part in the research is kept safe. Your data will remain confidential and used in line with the latest data protection requirements.
You will always get an information sheet to read and a consent form to sign before any research activity happens. You can stop taking part at any point and you don't need to give a reason for withdrawing.
We understand that you may have questions about taking part. You can get in touch with us using the information here. Or read more on our blog or leaflet.
- Email us at [email protected]
- Call us on 020 7963 9326
- Read more about taking part in research on the Parkinson’s UK research blog.
- Download our getting involved in research leaflet.
Parkinson's research needs you
The Parkinson’s UK Research Support Network is a community of people who are helping us get to new treatments for Parkinson's, faster. But we need you.
Hear from Research Support Network members about why they joined, and what the community means to them, on our research blog.
Featured research
A pioneering phase 2 clinical trial investigating whether Cannabidiol is an effective treatment for symptoms of Parkinson’s psychosis.
As part of our Get It On Time campaign, this research aims to determine whether missed or delayed medication while people are staying in hospital can lead to health problems and unnecessarily extended hospital stays.
Can’t see something right for you?
Join our Research Support Network (RSN). We’ll email you new opportunities and projects you could take part in. You’ll also get the latest research news and events in a clear and accessible way.
Find international studies looking for volunteers like you with The Michael J. Fox Foundation's online clinical study matching tool.
Find out about health and social care research taking place in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales on the Be Part of Research website.
This registry enables people to register their interest in participating in Parkinson’s research. Researchers can then access the registry and reach out directly to those who are suitable for their study.