Queen Elizabeth II honours UK university for Parkinson’s research

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Author: Roisin McCormackPublished: 5 December 2019

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Queen Elizabeth II visiting a research centre

A neuroscience research centre at the University of Sheffield, UK, has been recognised by Queen Elizabeth II for improving the lives of patients living with neurodegenerative conditions, including Parkinson’s.

The Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, which is based at the university, uses emerging developments in neuroscience to create innovative new approaches to treating brain conditions.

The prestigious Queen’s Anniversary Prize was awarded at St James’s Palace, London. The institute was commended for its development of Parkinson’s drug discovery programmes.

The honour is awarded to UK universities who exhibit groundbreaking and innovative approaches to research – with beneficial results at local, national and global levels.

Professor Koen Lamberts, president and vice-chancellor for the University of Sheffield, said: “As well as making life-changing discoveries today, The Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience is nurturing the next generation of talented neuroscience students, whose research will lead to pioneering treatments for those living with neurological diseases.”

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“When I got diagnosed with Parkinson’s I thought it was over,” US astronaut Michael “Rich” Clifford once said, in a webcast conversation with Parkinson’s expert Dr Ray Dorsey. But when US space agency NASA offered him another opportunity to board a space shuttle, despite the onset of Parkinson’s symptoms, he didn’t hesitate. “And it was as easy as that.” Now, nearly 30 years since his final venture into space, Clifford has died due to complications from Parkinson’s disease. He leaves a legacy of three journeys into space, several awards for his services to the space programme – including the NASA Space Flight Medal – and a history of advocacy for people with Parkinson’s. In a 2013 conversation with the Michael J Fox Foundation, Clifford said: “Everyone with Parkinson’s handles it differently. Don’t let it get in the way of living. “Life is too good. Keep going. The sky’s the limit.” Image credit:…

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Queen Elizabeth II honours UK university for Parkinson’s research

News

Author: Roisin McCormackPublished: 5 December 2019

Prep: Cook: Serves:

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How a new smell test could help diagnose Parkinson’s disease

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Parkinson’s prevalence expected to increase by 18% in next seven years

Advances

World’s first blood test for Parkinson’s may lead to earlier treatment

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Could traumatic brain injury accelerate the onset of Parkinson’s disease?

NASA astronaut who lived with Parkinson’s disease has died

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Queen Elizabeth II honours UK university for Parkinson’s research

News

Author: Roisin McCormackPublished: 5 December 2019

Last Month

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Share this story

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Advances

How a new smell test could help diagnose Parkinson’s disease

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Parkinson’s prevalence expected to increase by 18% in next seven years

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World’s first blood test for Parkinson’s may lead to earlier treatment

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Could traumatic brain injury accelerate the onset of Parkinson’s disease?

NASA astronaut who lived with Parkinson’s disease has died

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