Background Information for Applicants:
The Cure Parkinson’s Trust funds laboratory or clinical research projects with the potential to advance knowledge that might lead to a cure for Parkinson’s disease, or that represent a substantial advance in treatment (for example, novel approaches to treatment, or new methods of treatment delivery). There are many other legitimate areas of research into Parkinson’s that do not fall into these categories and are not within the remit of CPT. We do not consider these appropriate for funding by The Cure Parkinson’s Trust. However, we welcome enquiries from researchers who seek clarification on the suitability of projects for CPT funding.
Applications for funding may be submitted by appropriately qualified scientists or clinicians based in an accredited university or hospital in any country worldwide, or by commercial organisations. The Charity accepts grant applications at any time, but holds two meetings annually to prioritise projects for funding, in May and November. Deadlines for receipt of applications are the end of February and the end of August.
The Cure Parkinson’s Trust has considerable knowledge and understanding of Parkinson’s disease research being undertaken worldwide and aims to act as a hub for information and facilitation of research. We frequently work with researchers to refine proposals and also offer guidance on submissions to other funding bodies. As a patient-led organisation, people with Parkinson’s are central to our ethos.
The Cure Parkinson’s Trust requires all applicants to comply with the charity’s Terms and Conditions. For applicants who are awarded CPT funding, this includes six-monthly reports and agreement that, in addition to scientific presentations and publications, results can be communicated to a consumer audience at appropriate stages, in line with our Objects as set out with the Charities Commission.
Application Process:
Applications for grants are considered by the Research Committee (see CPT website for details of membership), following external peer review. The recommendations of the Research Committee go forward to the Trustees, who have final responsibility for decisions about funding.
Applicants are invited to submit a brief outline (2 page maximum) of the research they wish to conduct. Every project is initially evaluated by the Research Committee to assess that it is in keeping with
a) The charity’s Objects as listed at the Charities Commission
The relief of persons suffering from Parkinson's disease by the promotion of research into the causes, treatment and cure of the disease and the dissemination of thereof for the benefit of the public.
The provision of financial or other assistance to such bodies and research institutions associated with PD as the Trustees shall in their absolute discretion determine in accordance with charity law.
To advance the education and awareness of the public of Parkinson's disease.
b) Applications will be considered according to a number of criteria including their appropriateness to the central aim of CPT, originality, potential clinical impact and achievability. A selection of key points follows:
originality
significance
scientific rationale and experimental appropriateness
statistical methods
collaboration
achievability
potential impact
clarity
quality
research team suggested
research environment
the proposed budget
proposed milestones
reporting process
timescale
If the project is not considered appropriate at this stage, the applicant(s) will be notified at the earliest opportunity.
If the project is considered appropriate to the Charity’s objectives, then applicants will be invited to submit a full proposal, including budgets, and the charity will send you an application form.
The application will undergo a process of internal evaluation and will also be sent for external peer review. Detailed external peer reviews will always be obtained from at least two of our advisory panel of acknowledged world experts in Parkinson’s research and treatment (names and biographies are available on our website).
Following external peer review, project grant applications are reviewed by the Research Committee. The Committee may suggest amendments to projects, in discussion with applicants. One aim of CPT is to foster appropriate collaborations between different research groups.
If you are interested in applying to The Cure Parkinson's Trust, and require further information, please email helen@cureparkinsons.org.uk