American Parkinson Disease Association Launches Bridge Funding Awards to Support Crucial Research
In an urgent response to the challenges posed by the current funding landscape, the American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA) has announced its first Bridge Funding Awards. This initiative aims to support critical research in Parkinson's disease (PD) by providing financial assistance to researchers facing unexpected funding gaps. On November 5, 2025, APDA revealed the recipients of these inaugural awards, allocating $205,000 to sustain important research efforts.
The APDA Bridge Funding Awards were developed and approved this year to help retain talented investigators and ensure the continuation of promising research programs that are at risk due to unforeseen funding disruptions. The awards were introduced to bolster support for ongoing projects and have garnered immediate interest from the research community.
Rebecca Gilbert, MD, PhD, Chief Mission Officer of APDA, emphasized the significant role of these awards in maintaining the pace of scientific advancements. "This program highlights our deep commitment to the researchers who are driving breakthroughs in Parkinson's research," Gilbert stated. "When funding unexpectedly falls through, it can derail both critical research and the careers of talented scientists. The APDA swiftly designed this support mechanism to prevent such setbacks."
The awards, which were announced in July 2025, specifically targeted past APDA-funded researchers from the last three years, thereby reinforcing APDA's ongoing investment in its research community. After a rigorous selection process conducted by the APDA Scientific Advisory Board, three researchers were chosen to receive funding for the upcoming year.
The recipients of the inaugural Bridge Funding Awards are:
Each of these researchers' projects faced immediate funding interruptions but showcased significant scientific merit and the potential for lasting impact in the realm of Parkinson's disease research. The Bridge Funding from APDA will not only preserve the continuity of their vital investigations but also sustain key personnel and prepare their work for future federal and philanthropic funding opportunities.
Reflecting on this momentous initiative, Dr. Gilbert noted, "We believe our ability to step in swiftly can truly make a difference for these researchers. This effort represents just the beginning of our commitment to explore innovative ways of assisting Parkinson's investigators as they navigate the challenges of securing funding in today’s environment. We want their important work to continue progressing."
The APDA, which operates a nationwide network dedicated to combating Parkinson's disease and improving the lives of those affected, has been integral in funding research efforts since its inception in 1961. To date, the association has invested over $313 million in diverse patient services and educational programs, as well as in research aimed at unraveling the complexities of PD. With the introduction of the Bridge Funding Awards, the APDA underscores its dedication to fostering an enduring research community, ensuring that promising paths in understanding and treating Parkinson's disease remain open.
For additional details about the Bridge Funding Awards or APDA's broader research initiatives, interested individuals can visit www.apdaparkinson.org/research.
The APDA Bridge Funding Awards were developed and approved this year to help retain talented investigators and ensure the continuation of promising research programs that are at risk due to unforeseen funding disruptions. The awards were introduced to bolster support for ongoing projects and have garnered immediate interest from the research community.
Rebecca Gilbert, MD, PhD, Chief Mission Officer of APDA, emphasized the significant role of these awards in maintaining the pace of scientific advancements. "This program highlights our deep commitment to the researchers who are driving breakthroughs in Parkinson's research," Gilbert stated. "When funding unexpectedly falls through, it can derail both critical research and the careers of talented scientists. The APDA swiftly designed this support mechanism to prevent such setbacks."
The awards, which were announced in July 2025, specifically targeted past APDA-funded researchers from the last three years, thereby reinforcing APDA's ongoing investment in its research community. After a rigorous selection process conducted by the APDA Scientific Advisory Board, three researchers were chosen to receive funding for the upcoming year.
The recipients of the inaugural Bridge Funding Awards are:
- - Dr. Donghe Yang, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center: His research focuses on the development of advanced cell replacement therapies by investigating how vulnerable midbrain dopaminergic neurons, specifically the A9 subtype, develop and function within the brain.
- - Dr. Helen Hwang, Washington University in St. Louis: Hwang is pursuing vital biomarkers for cognitive decline by validating crucial cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) synaptic proteins that are linked to dementia associated with Parkinson's disease.
- - Dr. Franchino Porciuncula, Boston University: His groundbreaking study examines the effects of music-based rhythmic cueing on gait improvement and cognitive load reduction during walking for individuals with Parkinson's disease.
Each of these researchers' projects faced immediate funding interruptions but showcased significant scientific merit and the potential for lasting impact in the realm of Parkinson's disease research. The Bridge Funding from APDA will not only preserve the continuity of their vital investigations but also sustain key personnel and prepare their work for future federal and philanthropic funding opportunities.
Reflecting on this momentous initiative, Dr. Gilbert noted, "We believe our ability to step in swiftly can truly make a difference for these researchers. This effort represents just the beginning of our commitment to explore innovative ways of assisting Parkinson's investigators as they navigate the challenges of securing funding in today’s environment. We want their important work to continue progressing."
The APDA, which operates a nationwide network dedicated to combating Parkinson's disease and improving the lives of those affected, has been integral in funding research efforts since its inception in 1961. To date, the association has invested over $313 million in diverse patient services and educational programs, as well as in research aimed at unraveling the complexities of PD. With the introduction of the Bridge Funding Awards, the APDA underscores its dedication to fostering an enduring research community, ensuring that promising paths in understanding and treating Parkinson's disease remain open.
For additional details about the Bridge Funding Awards or APDA's broader research initiatives, interested individuals can visit www.apdaparkinson.org/research.
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