Fight Parkinson’s Research Program
At Fight Parkinson’s, we are committed to fostering innovation and research through our dedicated research program, which supports:
- Scientific research to discover more about the cause, and potential cure, of Parkinson’s and Atypical Parkinson’s
- Applied research to improve the lives of people currently living with Parkinson’s and Atypical Parkinson’s.
Our research program is carefully monitored by the Fight Parkinson’s Research Committee—reviewing all requests for research support to ensure the proposal has scientific rigour and is underpinned by appropriate ethics approval. It also ensures that Fight Parkinson’s research investment fits within the aims of our strategic plan and mission.
Seed Research Grants
To provide clear direction for increased investment in the research sector through scholarships, fellowships, and strategic partnerships, Fight Parkinson’s has developed the Fight Parkinson’s Seed Research Grants Program. Launched in 2025, this program enables researchers 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.
Ongoing research projects
Ongoing projects supported by Fight Parkinsons:
- 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.
Past research projects
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.
- Deloitte Access Economics report – On the economic burden of Parkinson’s, highlighting the importance of cost-effective, quality-of-life interventions.
Research partners
Fight Parkinson’s has worked with, or is currently working with, the following research institutions:
- Deakin University
- La Trobe University
- Swinburne University
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health
- University of Melbourne
- Victorian Brain Bank Network
- Shake It Up
- WEHI
How to support Parkinson’s research
On this International Day of Hope, we look forward to walking hand-in-hand with our community towards a future free of Parkinson’s (including Young Onset) and Atypical Parkinson’s (including CBS, MSA, and PSP).
Fight Parkinson’s receives a number of requests from researchers seeking participants for Parkinson’s clinical trials and research projects.
When approved by our research committee, Fight Parkinson’s shares these requests with the community.
Keep and eye out here or follow us on social media to stay up-to-date with the latest research participation opportunities.
Facebook: Fight Parkinson’s Facebook Page
Instagram: Fight Parkinson’s Instagram Page
LinkedIn: Fight Parkinson’s LinkedIn Page
Another way help drive vital discoveries in Parkinson’s research is to donate to Fight Parkinson’s. Through your donation to Parkinson’s research, you are investing in hope, progress, and a future without Parkinson’s.
Donate to Parkinson’s research today:
- Call us on (03) 8809 0400
- Or make a secure online donation
