Conference Awards Program Grant

The Conference Awards Program by the Parkinson's Foundation supports experts addressing critical challenges in Parkinson's research. Open year-round, it invites applications from independent investigators with advanced degrees. The program encourages community engagement and requires publicly available conference results. Funding levels depend on the proposed conference's impact and alignment with the Foundation's mission. This initiative fosters collaboration among researchers and emphasizes the importance of incorporating the experiences of those living with Parkinson's disease.

NOTE: The application period is open year-round. We accept applications anytime, though applicants must submit them at least 90 days prior to the proposed conference start date.
Program Overview
Conference Awards support the gathering of experts in the field working to address unsolved clinical or basic science problems relevant to Parkinson's disease.
All applications should demonstrate the potential to advance the field of Parkinson's research. Applicants may use this award to:
Identify or define emerging research questionsPlan or organize a clinical trialStandardize research methodsThe Parkinson's Foundation commits to including the perspective and experience of people living with PD in the research process.We highly encourage applicants to incorporate a community engagement component into award applications.
Level of Support
The level of support will be determined after reviewing the application, based on the conference's potential impact on Parkinson’s research and its alignment with the Foundation’s mission. We also encourage contributions from multiple funding partners, including the applicant institution.

Eligibility

Conference Awards are open to both national and international independent investigators with PhD, or MD, or equivalent degree.Restrictions include:We encourage planned or proposed funding partners but require them to be named in advance.
If one or more of the proposed funding partners is a for-profit entity, e.g., a pharmaceutical company, the source must make its support in the form of an unrestricted educational award.
Conference results must be publicly available.The Parkinson's Foundation expects that each meeting or conference will engage members of the Parkinson's community.

Ineligibility

Conferences may not be for social or networking purposes.