Developing a strong Australian research agenda is central to Fight Parkinson’s’ mission. Fight Parkinson’s has developed a research platform to provide clear direction for increased investment in the research sector through scholarships, fellowships, and strategic partnerships to:
- Better understand the impact of living with Parkinson’s
- Raise awareness with respect to the benefits of research investment
- Seek participation from the Parkinson’s community in research trials
- Increase reporting of research with the community (including donors and supporters) of outcomes, results, and breakthroughs
- Contribute to innovative, world leading research that advances the search for a cure.
Fight Parkinson’s Seed Funding Grants Program
Launched in 2025, the Fight Parkinson’s Seed Funding Grants Program underpins our ongoing commitment to raise funds to support research focused on the prevention, improvement of life, and eventual cure for Parkinson’s Disease, Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP), Corticobasal Syndrome (CBS), and Multiple System Atrophy (MSA).
There are currently no open grant rounds.
Explore past grant recipients and their work
Funded research projects
Fight Parkinson’s has supported a number of ongoing and recent research projects.
Ongoing projects supported by Fight Parkinsons:
- Victorian Brain Bank Network (VBBN) – collecting vital brain donations for Parkinson’s research; Fight Parkinson’s helps fund processing and access, from donors.
- ParkinsonNet – Bring an internationally recognised model of multidisciplinary Parkinson’s care to Australia.
- Rewiring the brain – Monash University team led by Prof John Forsythe is exploring how stem cells can be guided to repair brain regions damaged by Parkinson’s, using innovative gel technology to “build bridges” between regenerative cells and affected areas.
- Women, Parkinson’s and exercise – La Trobe University project led by Prof Meg Morris is trialling tailored gym-based strength and fitness programs to improve health outcomes for women with Parkinson’s, addressing their underrepresentation in exercise research.
Examples of past research projects supported:
- ParkinDance – a two-year RCT exploring how dance interventions can slow Parkinson’s symptoms-led by Prof Meg Morris at La Trobe University.
- Exercise participation in Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) – led by Dr Susan Slade and Prof Morris, funded through the Argyrou Family and Atypical Fellowship.
- Treat-to-target clinical trial – using wearable PKG® monitors to improve motor symptom management—led by Prof Malcolm Horne at The Florey.
- ParkinSong™– a singing-based therapy controlled trial in partnership with Melbourne University and the Hugh Williamson Foundation—demonstrated improved voice, respiratory strength, and quality of life.
- Movement Disorder Nurse Project – in the Goulburn Valley region, showing value of nurse-led support in rural communities.
- Deloitte Access Economics report – on the economic burden of Parkinson’s, highlighting the importance of cost-effective, quality-of-life interventions.
