The Parkinson’s Foundation collaborates with the brightest minds in Parkinson’s research through grants and awards. The Foundation has supported more than 400 scientists who work to better understand Parkinson’s.
Every year, the Parkinson’s Foundation funds up to 50 different studies at once, exploring all aspects of the disease, from disease progression and treatments to genetics and the inner workings of the brain. Meet some of the researchers currently conducting Parkinson’s studies that can lead to a breakthrough at any moment.
Meet the Researcher
Connor D. Courtney, PhD, is studying the external globus pallidus (GPe), a part of the brain that plays a key role in Parkinson’s disease (PD) motor symptoms; this work may pave the way for future PD therapies. |
Daniel Silverman, PhD, is exploring the mechanisms that contribute to sleep disturbances in Parkinson’s disease (PD). This could lead to a targeted treatment to restore healthy sleep for people with PD. |
Aurelie de Rus Jacquet, PhD, is examining how degeneration of the blood-brain barrier may contribute to the progression of Parkinson’s disease (PD); this work may lead to new drug treatment targets for PD. |
Lindsay Mitchell De Biase, PhD, is studying the role of central nervous system immune cells in Parkinson’s as a potential therapeutic target. |
Scott Fraser Owen, PhD, is working to understand the biology of cognitive function loss in Parkinson’s to identify new targeted treatments. |
Tim Sampson, PhD, is exploring how pesticide exposure may trigger Parkinson’s symptoms through investigating the intestinal tract. |
Onur Basak, PhD, is investigating how the brain’s dopamine system functions, potentially leading to new Parkinson’s treatments. |
Ellen Hess, PhD, is researching the biological sex differences in Parkinson’s disease. |
Rafiq Huda, PhD, is investigating a potential therapeutic target for Parkinson’s motor symptoms. |
Kathy Steece-Collier, PhD, is a researcher working to understand "gene silencing" and its role in Parkinson’s and dyskinesia. |
Parkinson's Researchers Highlight Their Ongoing Studies
Nine Parkinson's Foundation research grant recipients explain their ongoing work to better understand and treat PD.
