Find a Regional Training
Thank you for your interest in becoming part of Parkinson's Advocates in Research. Through this program, you too can advance Parkinson's research and speed new treatments.
PDF hosts regional Learning Institutes - intensive three-day trainings designed for people with Parkinson's and care partners. There are currently no upcoming trainings. Please browse for details and in the meantime, take our online course here to get started!
Overview
The PDF Learning Institutes are three-day trainings designed to prepare people living with Parkinson’s and care partners for work as Research Advocates.
They provide the opportunity to learn from experts in the field about the science of Parkinson’s and the process that brings new treatments to market; and to gain leadership and advocacy skills to confidently interact with the scientific community.
What will you do after the Learning Institute? Each person who completes a Learning Institute takes on the role of PDF Research Advocate and works under the umbrella of Parkinson's Advocates in Research (PAIR).
All PDF Research Advocates work closely with fellow advocates, PDF staff and local institutions to find ways to advance Parkinson's research and speed new treatments. Research Advocates also receive continuing support, education and networking opportunities.
See Sample Learning Institute Curriculum/Schedule
Upcoming Regional Learning Institutes
PDF's most recent training has passed. Stay tuned for new training dates. Do you want get started now? Take PDF's online course here to work with our current Research Advocates.
Apply to the Learning Institute
What will you need to prepare to apply to one of PDF's Learning Institutes?
The online application asks you to tell us about yourself. The application may ask for:
- your answers to a few short essay questions about your clinical research involvement, why you wish to attend the Learning Institute, and your initial thoughts about your future role as a PDF Research Advocate.
- a request for a copy of your resume, or, if unavailable, you will be asked to provide a brief listing of your relevant positions and employers, volunteer experience and educational history.
- reference(s), hopefully someone who can comment on your clinical research interest and experience. This may be an employer, physician, study coordinator, researcher, leader in the Parkinson's community, etc.
For those who are selected to attend any of the Learning Institutes, all expenses (registration, travel, hotel, accommodation, meals, etc.) will be covered by the Parkinson's Disease Foundation.
Contact Us
If you would like to be contacted when more information is available about the Learning Institutes in your region, please contact David Blomquist, National Programs Coordinator, at (800) 457-6676 or info@pdf.org and sign up for our mailing list. In the meantime, if you're interested in the program, consider participating in the Parkinson's Advocates in Research online course here.
The Parkinson's Disease Foundation wishes to thank the following supporters of the Learning Institutes: UCB, Inc., Biotechnology Industry Organization, and Amicus Therapeutics.
