Learning Institutes

Thank you for your interest in becoming part of Parkinson's Advocates in Research. Through this program, you too can influence Parkinson's research and speed the development of new and effective treatments. 

Start by applying to one of PDF's regional Learning Institutes - intensive three-day trainings designed for people with Parkinson's and care partners.

Please browse below to find out about the next Learning Institute in your region.

• Learning Institute Overview
• Upcoming Regional Learning Institutes
• Apply to a Learning Institute
• Contact Us

Learning Institute 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 influence 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

Are you interested in applying to one of the Learning Institutes. Applications are now open for the July 2012 Learning Institute-Western Region.

Western Region
Thursday, July 19 – Saturday, July 21, 2012
Pacific Palms Hotel and Conference Center
Industry, CA

Region includes Alaska, Arizona, California , Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington and Wyoming.

The application period is now closed and we are no longer accepting applications for the Western Region Learning Insitute.

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 clinical trials, check out www.PDtrials.org which lists all trials currently enrolling in the US.

The Parkinson's Disease Foundation wishes to thank the following supporters of the Learning Institutes: UCB, Inc., Biotechnology Industry Organization, and Amicus Therapeutics.