Discover. Connect. Engage.

Join us for our South Central Research Event!

Are you interested in the latest advancements in Parkinson’s research? Whether you are a dedicated researcher, someone affected by Parkinson’s, or simply curious about new discoveries shaping the future of Parkinson’s care, this event is for you!

This event brings together researchers and experts from across the South East to provide exciting research updates, alongside interactive taster activities demonstrating the importance of staying active.

We’re excited to share our speaker lineup so far, additional speakers and sessions will be announced as details are confirmed!

Speakers

Anne Ferrett: 'My personal experiences of getting connected, taking part, and having a say in Parkinson's research'

Anne became a Parkinson’s UK volunteer after supporting her mother through 10 years with the condition. Joining initially as a policy reviewer, her role as a Patient and Public Involvement volunteer has expanded dramatically, allowing her to share the vital perspective of a carer. Today, Anne serves as a lay grant reviewer, campaigner, Brain Bank lay assessor, and steering group member, while also hosting a local Parkinson's UK cafe in Dorking and contributing to our Strategy Refresh. Prior to retiring, Anne worked with young children with complex speech and language needs.

Claire Bale: Parkinson’s UK - Leading the search for the cause, a cure and better treatments

Claire is Associate Director of Research here at Parkinson's UK. Our charity has led Parkinson’s research for over 50 years, investing more than £130 million since 1969. Claire works with colleagues across the charity and people living with the condition to lead this programme, raise awareness of the progress being made, and to support and enable people with Parkinson's to influence and take part in research. Claire studied molecular biology at university with a special focus on neuroscience and then completed a Master’s in Science Communication before joining the charity in 2011.

Dr Eva Bunting - The Importance of Living Well with Parkinson's

Dr Bunting is a Consultant Neurologist at University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust. Prior to taking up that post, Eva had completed an Association of British Neurologists (ABN) movement disorder fellowship at King's College London. Originally from Belfast, Eva studied medicine at Sheffield and then completed her postgraduate medical training in Sussex and London. "It is an honour to be the regional clinical lead for the South East Parkinson's Regional Excellence Network, I will strive to create an ecosystem where best practice is shared and all people with Parkinson's have equity of access to exceptional care."

Caroline Rassell: Parkinson's UK - An overview of our new strategy

Caroline is the CEO atParkinson's UK (https://www.parkinsons.org.uk/about-us/our-people/executive-leadership) , leading our charity’s mission to provide care, drive research, and work alongside the community to find a cure. At today’s event, she will be sharing our new Parkinson's UK strategy, which ensures our work is driven by what matters most to people affected by the condition. Drawing on her leadership experience in the NHS and local government, Caroline is a passionate advocate for physical activity to help slow condition progression, and serves on the Richmond Group of Charities Board and as a local hospice trustee.

Laurel Miller

Laurel was diagnosed with Parkinson's in March, 2014. From a knowledge of 'base zero' she has immersed herself in all things to do with Parkinson's. She is passionate about taking control of the condition and using research findings to live the best lives we can whilst waiting patiently for better treatments and, one day, some kind of a cure. She is a founder member of Fighting Fit (https://www.parkinsons.org.uk/support/newly-diagnosed/services/fighting-fit) and has worked on EJC ACT for PD as a Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) volunteer since it's conception in 2021.

Christine Girges: 'EJS ACT-PD - The largest ever Parkinson's research trial'

Christine is a Parkinson's researcher with a PhD in Psychology and a background in neuroimaging. Since joining Parkinson's research in 2016, she has worked across health informatics, deep brain stimulation (DBS) research, and disease-modifying clinical trials. She is currently the Lead Clinical Trials Practitioner for the EJS ACT-PD (https://www.parkinsons.org.uk/research/projects/edmond-j-safra-accelerating-clinical-trials-parkinsons-ejs-act-pd) platform, supporting the delivery of trials aimed at accelerating new treatments for Parkinson's.

Sophie Farrow: Understanding the role that genetics can play in Parkinson's

Sophie is a Parkinson's UK Senior Research Fellow in the University of Oxford’s Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics. Her research combines experimental and bioinformatic approaches to understand how genetic information could be used to advan

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