Parkinson's Foundation Allocates Over $4.3 Million for Innovative Research Initiatives
The Parkinson's Foundation is making waves in the medical research community by allocating over $4.3 million towards grants that will support 44 innovative research projects focused on Parkinson's disease (PD). This substantial funding aims to boost research efforts to develop new therapies and, ultimately, find a cure for the 10 million individuals impacted by this debilitating neurological condition worldwide.
Parkinson's disease is a progressive disorder that affects movement and can cause a number of challenging symptoms including tremors, stiffness, and balance problems. Despite its widespread impact, there remains no cure for PD, with nearly 90,000 new cases diagnosed annually in the United States alone. Through its extensive grant program, the Parkinson's Foundation is striving to change this narrative.
John Lehr, the President and CEO of the Parkinson's Foundation, expressed his enthusiasm about the increase in funding this year. “We are thrilled to announce a larger pool of grant recipients dedicated to tackling the complexities of Parkinson’s disease,” he stated. “This initiative will undoubtedly accelerate progress in developing better treatments for those who live with the disorder.”
One of the standout grant recipients is Dr. Jeff Kim from Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas, who has received the Postdoctoral Fellowship Award. Dr. Kim plans to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) to further explore the intricate genetics of Parkinson's disease. His research seeks to identify how different combinations of genetic mutations can affect an individual's likelihood of developing the disease. Moreover, it aims to highlight previously overlooked mutations that contribute to PD, which may lead to novel therapeutic strategies in the future.
“While we have identified both rare mutations and more common genetic variations associated with PD, we often overlook how they interact, particularly as individuals age,” explained Dr. Kim. His research hopes to pave the way for personalized treatment strategies that could significantly improve the lives of those with Parkinson's disease.
The process for receiving a research grant from the Parkinson's Foundation is highly competitive and rigorous. Applications go through a thorough peer-review process that involves a panel of leading scientific experts, which includes members from the Foundation's Scientific Advisory Board and trained research advocates. Awards span a variety of categories such as fellowships, independent investigator grants, and early career awards, further emphasizing the Foundation's commitment to fostering a diverse range of research approaches.
James Beck, PhD, Chief Scientific Officer of the Parkinson's Foundation, expressed his excitement regarding the innovative methodologies employed by the selected scientists. “We are eager to see how these talented researchers utilize groundbreaking techniques, including AI, to answer some of the profound questions surrounding Parkinson’s disease,” he said. He provides optimism that increased technological capabilities will enhance the speed and effectiveness of research outcomes.
For those interested in viewing the complete list of grant recipients for 2025 and learning more about the opportunities offered by the Parkinson's Foundation, further information is accessible at Parkinson.org/ResearchGrants.
Established in 1957, the Parkinson's Foundation has dedicated itself to improving the quality of life for those affected by Parkinson's disease by advancing clinical care and research efforts. With a cumulative investment exceeding $474 million in research and care initiatives, the Foundation continues to harness the energy, experience, and passion of the global Parkinson's community to address this pressing health crisis.
To stay informed about the Parkinson's Foundation and its initiatives, engage with them on various platforms including Parkinson.org, Facebook, X, and Instagram, or phone 1-800-4PD-INFO (1-800-473-4636) for more information.
Parkinson's disease is a progressive disorder that affects movement and can cause a number of challenging symptoms including tremors, stiffness, and balance problems. Despite its widespread impact, there remains no cure for PD, with nearly 90,000 new cases diagnosed annually in the United States alone. Through its extensive grant program, the Parkinson's Foundation is striving to change this narrative.
John Lehr, the President and CEO of the Parkinson's Foundation, expressed his enthusiasm about the increase in funding this year. “We are thrilled to announce a larger pool of grant recipients dedicated to tackling the complexities of Parkinson’s disease,” he stated. “This initiative will undoubtedly accelerate progress in developing better treatments for those who live with the disorder.”
One of the standout grant recipients is Dr. Jeff Kim from Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas, who has received the Postdoctoral Fellowship Award. Dr. Kim plans to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) to further explore the intricate genetics of Parkinson's disease. His research seeks to identify how different combinations of genetic mutations can affect an individual's likelihood of developing the disease. Moreover, it aims to highlight previously overlooked mutations that contribute to PD, which may lead to novel therapeutic strategies in the future.
“While we have identified both rare mutations and more common genetic variations associated with PD, we often overlook how they interact, particularly as individuals age,” explained Dr. Kim. His research hopes to pave the way for personalized treatment strategies that could significantly improve the lives of those with Parkinson's disease.
The process for receiving a research grant from the Parkinson's Foundation is highly competitive and rigorous. Applications go through a thorough peer-review process that involves a panel of leading scientific experts, which includes members from the Foundation's Scientific Advisory Board and trained research advocates. Awards span a variety of categories such as fellowships, independent investigator grants, and early career awards, further emphasizing the Foundation's commitment to fostering a diverse range of research approaches.
James Beck, PhD, Chief Scientific Officer of the Parkinson's Foundation, expressed his excitement regarding the innovative methodologies employed by the selected scientists. “We are eager to see how these talented researchers utilize groundbreaking techniques, including AI, to answer some of the profound questions surrounding Parkinson’s disease,” he said. He provides optimism that increased technological capabilities will enhance the speed and effectiveness of research outcomes.
For those interested in viewing the complete list of grant recipients for 2025 and learning more about the opportunities offered by the Parkinson's Foundation, further information is accessible at Parkinson.org/ResearchGrants.
Established in 1957, the Parkinson's Foundation has dedicated itself to improving the quality of life for those affected by Parkinson's disease by advancing clinical care and research efforts. With a cumulative investment exceeding $474 million in research and care initiatives, the Foundation continues to harness the energy, experience, and passion of the global Parkinson's community to address this pressing health crisis.
To stay informed about the Parkinson's Foundation and its initiatives, engage with them on various platforms including Parkinson.org, Facebook, X, and Instagram, or phone 1-800-4PD-INFO (1-800-473-4636) for more information.
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