The research committee are an independent group of 16-20 Parkinson’s researchers, clinicians, industry representatives, and people with Parkinson’s that review and assess all our incoming grant funding applications. In 2026, we are excited to welcome several new members and interns to this committee.
Who are the new committee members?
As a member of the Association of Medical Research Charities (AMRC), Cure Parkinson’s is required to rotate the experts involved in the evaluation of our funding applications. This is to ensure that we are capturing a range of different perspectives and insights during the review process. Additionally, in recent years, our funding portfolio has grown significantly, supporting a range of projects targeting different elements of Parkinson’s biology. As we continue to grow and diversify our portfolio, we recognise the need for our research committee to also contain the necessary expertise to assess these applications properly.
To help fill these gaps, at the end of 2025, Cure Parkinson’s opened recruitment to extend the research committee, as well as replace the individuals who had served the maximum term outlined by the AMRC. Specifically, we were looking for researchers with expertise in cell models of Parkinson’s, molecular biology, and inflammation, as well as clinical experience in trial design, imaging, biomarkers, and genetics. We also encouraged applications from people with Parkinson’s with research expertise and knowledge of the grant review process.
As a result, we are excited to welcome 8 new members. These individuals come from a variety of backgrounds and boast a range of expertise, from identifying new biological markers of Parkinson’s progression to investigating therapies for slowing the progression of Parkinson’s-related dementias. These members will bring new perspectives and help move us closer to our goal of identifying disease-modifying treatments for Parkinson’s. Learn more about each of these new members below.
Cure Parkinson’s also thanks the members who are rotating off the committee this year. We thank Professor Roger Barker, Professor Heather Mortiboys, Dr Kevin McFarthing, Professor Alan Whone, Dr David Breen, and Gina Robinson for volunteering their time and expertise.
Who are the new interns?
Each year, Cure Parkinson’s offers early career researchers the opportunity to join the research committee as interns for a one-year term. This role not only gives them a firsthand look at the grant review process and the chance to participate in committee discussions, but also offers opportunities for mentorship and networking with established Parkinson’s experts. In previous years, this opportunity was only available for individuals in the UK; however, this year, we opened this to researchers across Europe as well.
In 2026, we are excited to welcome three new interns – Dr Emily Atkinson from UCL, Dr Ludo van Hillegondsberg from Oxford University, and Josefine Ragard Christiansen from the University of Copenhagen. Learn more about each of these researchers below.
This is an important time for Cure Parkinson’s research committee. We have expanded the committee to reflect the broader scope of funding applications we receive. We need experts and people with Parkinson’s to confidently assess and review applications and make funding recommendations. The additional members include experts in trial delivery, bioinformatics and genetics, along with a new cohort of three early career researchers. It is an exciting time to be chairing this committee.
Professor Ruth Dobson, Chair of the Research Committee, Cure Parkinson’s
Our research committee plays a critical role at Cure Parkinson’s. We rely on this group of independent experts to take decisions on what research projects we recommend for funding. That process is an important part of our efforts to find a cure for Parkinson’s. We are also one of the few charities to have an intern programme, which provides early career researchers with the opportunity to get experience of the grant funding process. We are very grateful to everyone involved.
Dr Simon Stott, Director of Research, Cure Parkinson’s
