Applications open for Quarterly Research Grant Funding Programme

The programme focuses on preclinical research and clinical research in Parkinson’s disease, prioritising studies that can progress toward human clinical trials within five years, funding for preclinical projects up to £250,000 GBP, clinical trials and related sub-studies, international applications from academic and commercial entities, justification of commercial costs comparable to academic standards, compliance with grant terms and conditions, and adherence to geopolitical, economic, trade restrictions and sanctions including guidance from GOV.UK and Trusted Research principles.

The funding programme is delivered by Cure Parkinson’s and is designed to accelerate scientific progress in therapies targeting Parkinson’s disease. It supports both early-stage laboratory research and later-stage clinical investigations, with a strong emphasis on translational potential. The overarching aim is to enable promising scientific discoveries to move more rapidly toward treatments that can be tested in people living with the condition.

Applicants may be based internationally and can include both academic institutions and commercial organisations. While commercial applications are accepted, they are expected to justify costs carefully and align them with academic-level expenditure where possible. All applications must comply with the organisation’s grant terms and conditions as outlined in the formal contract, and funding decisions also take into account applicable sanctions and compliance requirements referenced through UK government and Trusted Research guidance, including UK Government and relevant national security research frameworks.

The application process is structured in stages, beginning with a stage one submission followed by feedback from the review committee. Successful applicants are invited to progress to a stage two full application, which requires detailed study design, budget justification, institutional approval, and a signed letter of support from the host institution. Stage two submissions are subject to external expert peer review, typically involving at least two independent reviewers, and more for larger or complex proposals. In clinical studies, reviewers with lived experience of Parkinson’s disease may also be involved.

Following peer review, applications are assessed by the review committee, which may reject the proposal, request revisions with feedback, or recommend funding approval to the trustees. Applicants may also defer submission to a later quarterly round if additional time is needed to respond to feedback, subject to coordination with the research team.

For more information, visit Cure Parkinson’s.