Display the Quilt
Display the Parkinson’s Quilt in your community to show the impact of PD on your community.
Clinical Research Learning Institute
You can influence Parkinson's research and speed the development of new and effective treatments.
How? Apply to one of PDF's Clinical Research Learning Institutes, intensive three-day trainings designed for people with Parkinson's and care partners.
The Learning Institutes are held regionally; please browse below to find out when we are coming to your region.
- Program Overview
- Why the Clinical Research Learning Institute?
- 2011-2012 Regional Learning Institutes
- Apply Now to the Learning Institute-Southern Region
- Contact Us
Program Overview
The PDF Clinical Research 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.
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). Research Advocates work closely with fellow advocates, PDF staff and local institutions to find ways to influence Parkinson's research and speed new and effective treatments. These can include:
- serving on Parkinson’s national, regional and local research advisory boards;
- working with the research community to address gaps in Parkinson’s research; and
- speaking at conferences and support groups on the importance of clinical study participation.
All PDF Research Advocates receive continuing support, education and networking opportunities from PDF. Browse PDF's Advocate Report to find out what our 130 Research Advocates are doing around the country.
Why the Clinical Research Learning Institute?
People with Parkinson’s disease have the most at stake when it comes to the success of research and clinical studies. The Clinical Research Learning Institutes provide people with Parkinson’s with the resources to play an active role through "research advocacy."
What is research advocacy? It is when people touched by Parkinson's bring their unique perspectives and insights to research, ensuring that the Parkinson’s community has a say in research priorities and how these priorities are implemented.
By offering these perspectives and raising issues that are all too often overlooked, Research Advocates are able to identify and solve barriers to Parkinson’s research. For example, they work to improve the design, conduct and outcomes of clinical studies.
Most importantly, the presence of Research Advocates reminds scientists of the urgency to find new treatments and a cure for Parkinson’s as soon as possible.
2011-2012 Regional Learning Institutes
Are you interested in applying to one of the Clinical Research Learning Institutes? PDF is holding three regional Learning Institutes throughout 2011-2012.
Southern Region
Thursday, March 8 - Saturday, March 10
Evergreen Marriott Conference Center
Stone Mountain, GA
Region includes Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and West Virginia.
The application period is now closed.
Western Region – Location TBD
Spring 2012
Region includes Alaska, Arizona, California , Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington and Wyoming.
NOW PASSED Northeastern Region - Florham Park, NJ
Thursday, October 20 - Saturday, October 22, 2011
Read About the Northeastern Learning Institute
Apply to the Learning Institute
What will you need to prepare to apply to one of PDF's Learning Institutes?
The online application contains 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. You will also be prompted to upload 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.
We also ask for a reference, 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.
For more information about this program and/or questions about applying, please contact David Blomquist, National Programs Coordinator, at (800) 457-6676 or info@pdf.org.
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 Clinical Research Learning Institute: UCB, Inc., Biotechnology Industry Organization, and Amicus Therapeutics.
