Cure Parkinson’s Research Grant

Cure Parkinson’s, a UK-based medical research charity, offers funding to advance research aimed at slowing, halting, or reversing the progression of Parkinson’s disease. As a member of the Association of Medical Research Charities (AMRC), Cure Parkinson’s adheres to rigorous peer-review standards to ensure the scientific quality and clinical relevance of funded projects. Its overarching mission is to find a cure for those currently living with Parkinson’s, emphasizing translational science that can rapidly move from preclinical research to human trials. The organization defines a “cure” as disease-modifying therapy or therapies, and it explicitly excludes research that targets only symptomatic relief, basic science, or early drug development phases. The funding program supports both preclinical and clinical research projects. Preclinical studies may be awarded up to £250,000 (GBP), and must demonstrate a clear pathway to clinical trials within five years. For clinical trials and related sub-studies involving human participants with Parkinson’s, the award amount is flexible and tailored to the scale of the project. In these cases, researchers are advised to contact Cure Parkinson’s directly prior to submission to align expectations. In all cases, costs submitted by commercial entities must be well justified and comparable to academic rates. Projects must contract in GBP, regardless of applicant country, and Cure Parkinson’s reserves the right to deny funding based on UK-sanctioned geopolitical or economic restrictions. Applicants undergo a two-stage application process. Stage 1 involves the submission of a brief outline of the research proposal, without requiring formal institutional approval. These proposals are reviewed internally and by Cure Parkinson’s independent Research Committee (RC), which meets quarterly. If the application is deemed suitable, the applicant is invited to submit a full Stage 2 application, incorporating more detailed design, budget, institutional endorsements, and any requested modifications. Stage 2 proposals undergo written peer review by at least two, and sometimes three, experts, particularly for complex or high-value submissions. The final funding decision is made by the Cure Parkinson’s Board of Trustees based on recommendations from the RC. The program is open to both academic and commercial entities worldwide, provided they comply with Cure Parkinson’s grant terms. To apply, researchers must review Cure Parkinson’s Research Strategy, guidance documents, and grant contract. Required submission materials for Stage 1 include an application form and, where applicable, a Drug and Compound CV or Commercial Entity Form. Additional documents such as investigator CVs, budget breakdowns, and supplementary data (e.g., trial protocols or publications) may be included but are not mandatory. Stage 2 submissions are required to include evidence of institutional support and final budgets with justifications. Successful applicants are required to submit six-monthly progress reports that track milestones as defined in their grant applications. These reports are reviewed by the RC, and payment disbursements are contingent upon satisfactory progress. A lay summary of the project is also required during Stage 2 and is reviewed by individuals with Parkinson’s as part of the decision-making process. Cure Parkinson’s actively supports collaboration and provides applicants with feedback, including anonymized peer reviews when applicable. If needed, it may also connect applicants with other researchers or assist in proposal refinement. In 2026, the application deadlines are set for April 13, June 22, and October 12, each closing at 23:59 BST. All Stage 1 applications should be submitted via email to [email protected]. The full guidance for applicants can be found at: https://cureparkinsons.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Cure-Parkinsons-Guidance-for-Applicants.pdf. Additional inquiries can be directed to Cure Parkinson’s by phone (+44 20 7487 3892) or via email.

Involve people with Parkinson’s in design; lay summary reviewed by Parkinson’s community.