On Friday 11 April 2025; World Parkinson’s Day, researchers from the Wade-Martins & Ryan Groups joined members of the Parkinson’s UK Oxford Branch to raise awareness of Parkinson’s disease. The drop-in event took place at the Oxford University Museum of Natural History. Members of the public were able to immerse themselves in Virtual Reality (VR) demonstrations of the challenges faced by people who have Parkinson’s Disease and dementia. Researchers and volunteers from the branch were on hand to chat to people to learn more about the research being carried out by the Laboratory of Molecular Neurodegeneration and understand the work being done to supporting everyone in Oxfordshire who are affected by Parkinson’s.
Elly Robles demonstrating the VR equipment
Dr Sandor Szunyogh and Nicole Li discussing their research with members of the public
One research project that is currently funded by Parkinson’s UK is led by Sophie Farrow, Parkinson's UK Senior Research Fellow. With her award, Dr Farrow will explore how and why some changes in certain genes can increase a person’s risk of Parkinson’s, and use this to guide drug target selection.
Our thanks to laboratory staff and students; Ajantha Abey, Sophie Farrow, Johanna Hoffmann, Nicole Li , Sarah Pearce, Elly Robles, Sandor Szunyogh, and Harrison Waters for supporting the event to raise awareness of Parkinson’s Disease.
Credit: photography by Ajantha Abey