Major Funding Opportunity Now Open to Tackle Parkinson's Disease Challenges

Washington, D.C., Jan. 15, 2025 – Exciting news for the scientific community! The Aligning Science Across Parkinson’s (ASAP) initiative has opened applications for researchers eager to become part of its Collaborative Research Network (CRN) for the 2025 Scientific Track. This new opportunity will grant up to $3 million annually for three years to innovative research teams dedicated to unraveling the complexities of Parkinson’s Disease (PD) through eight key focus areas.

Key Focus Areas

Researchers will delve into various critical aspects of PD, including:

1. Investigating PD within the context of aging.

2. Exploring how co-existing pathologies can affect PD development and progression.

3. Analyzing the impact of known environmental risk factors on disease pathways.

4. Understanding the brain circuitry that triggers clinical symptoms, especially non-motor symptoms.

5. Evaluating the role of clearance mechanisms in PD.

6. Identifying what factors influence the seeding of the alpha-synuclein protein in the brain.

About the Collaborative Research Network (CRN)

Joining the ASAP CRN means contributing to an international, multidisciplinary network aimed at answering high-priority questions surrounding PD. The ultimate goal is to hasten the pace of new discoveries and integrate fresh ideas into research and therapeutic development.

Dr. Ekemini A. U. Riley's Insights

Dr. Ekemini A. U. Riley, managing director of ASAP, notes, "In the past four years, the Collaborative Research Network has made great strides in enhancing our understanding of Parkinson’s disease, particularly in areas like functional genomics and the relationship between brain and body. This new funding opportunity expands our focus to tackle critical knowledge gaps concerning the heterogeneity of PD."

Application Details

Teams interested in applying must ensure their projects have a direct relevance to human PD, comply with ASAP's application and budgeting guidelines, and embrace the organization’s Open Science Policy. To be considered, Letter of Intent submissions are required by March 20, 2025, with funding decisions expected to be announced in January 2026.

Further Information

For further details about this funding opportunity and to access submission instructions, visit [ASAP's official funding page](https://parkinsonsroadmap.org/funding-opportunities/scientific-track/#).

About ASAP

Aligning Science Across Parkinson’s is a groundbreaking initiative that unites international researchers from various disciplines to bridge resource and knowledge gaps in understanding the development and progression of Parkinson's disease. Collaborating with notable organizations like The Michael J. Fox Foundation, ASAP is committed to fostering a collaborative, open approach that can significantly accelerate research advancements. Follow us on LinkedIn, Bluesky, and Threads for the latest updates and initiatives.

Don't miss the chance to contribute to this vital research effort and help drive change for millions affected by Parkinson's Disease!