Parkinson Canada is committed to making a difference in the lives of individuals living with Parkinson’s. One of the ways we are driving progress is through funding the Canadian Open Parkinson Network (C-OPN) in partnership with Brain Canada. C-OPN serves as a vital resource for the Parkinson’s community, providing access to multi-modal data and a secure platform for sharing information among researchers, individuals with Parkinson’s and healthcare professionals.  

Collaborative research projects have shown time and again that they can achieve breakthroughs that would be impossible for a single team alone. Parkinson Canada and C-OPN embody this spirit of collaboration.

Accelerating Research through Open Data

Parkinson’s is a complex condition that currently lacks a disease-modifying treatment. However, hope lies in the power of collaboration and data sharing. C-OPN was specifically created to address this need by connecting researchers, individuals with Parkinson’s, and data, all with the aim of accelerating discoveries. By joining forces, the Parkinson’s research community can overcome obstacles that would otherwise hinder progress. C-OPN is breaking down barriers and fostering collaboration among researchers from various disciplines, enabling them to reach participants and data they couldn’t access individually. 

With a presence in eight cities across Canada, including Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Toronto, London, Ottawa, Montreal, and Quebec City, C-OPN is the largest and most diverse research network of its kind in the country. This diversity is essential, as Canada’s population encompasses a broad range of backgrounds, lifestyles, and genetic profiles. C-OPN’s expansive network allows researchers to conduct previously unattainable studies, opening new avenues for innovation and discovery. 

The New C-OPN Site in London, Ontario

We are thrilled to announce the launch of a new C-OPN site at Western University in London, Ontario. This expansion brings the London community into the fold, joining over 1,400 individuals with Parkinson’s from across the country who are already participating in groundbreaking research. By becoming a part of this Parkinson Canada and this national network, you will play a vital role in shaping the future of Parkinson’s research. If you are living with Parkinson’s in the London area, we invite you to become a participant with C-OPN.  

By actively contributing to research, you can play a vital role in transforming lives and advancing our understanding of Parkinson’s.

Find more information about the new C-OPN site in London, Ontario.

Additionally, you can learn more about participating in Parkinson Canada research studies here.