2022 Spring/Summer Highlights of Hope

Rallying to the
grand challenge
of Parkinson’s
disease
How do a person’s genetics impact their risk for
Parkinson’s disease?
That’s the question more than 500 people from around the
world explored during Van Andel Institute’s annual Grand
Challenges in Parkinson’s Disease scientific symposium and
parallel Rallying to the Challenge meeting for people with
Parkinson’s and care partners, co-hosted with the U.K.’s Cure
Parkinson’s. Held virtually in October 2021, these events tackled
how two specific genes — LRRK2 and GBA1 — contribute to
Parkinson’s disease risk and how they may be leveraged to
develop new and urgently needed treatments. Attendees
heard scientific presentations from leading researchers and
participated in panel discussions with advocates and people
with Parkinson’s.
As part of Grand Challenges in Parkinson’s Disease and Rallying to
the Challenge, we recognized two scientists for their exceptional
contributions to the Parkinson’s field and community. VAI
presented the 2021 Jay Van Andel Award for Outstanding
Achievement in Parkinson’s Disease Research to Dr. Ted Dawson,
of Johns Hopkins University for his groundbreaking research
into the molecular and genetic mechanisms underlying
Parkinson’s disease — many of which have informed the
development of potential new medications.
Cure Parkinson’s and VAI presented Dr. Camille Carroll, of
University of Plymouth with the 2021 Tom Isaacs Award, which
honors individuals who have had a significant impact on the
lives of people with Parkinson’s and/or involved them in a
participatory way in research. This award recognizes Carroll’s
commitment to engage people with Parkinson’s in research and
to foster collaboration between scientists, physicians and the
Parkinson’s community.
Save the date! The next Grand Challenges in Parkinson’s
Disease and Rallying to the Challenge will be held Sept. 28–29,
2022. Visit grandchallengesinpd.org to learn more.
VAN ANDEL INSTITUTE HIGHLIGHTS OF HOPE | 5