During the AD/PD™ 2025 conference earlier this month, we were proud to help represent Canada on the international research stage. We published an in-depth recap of some highlights and key findings from the conference, but in addition to attending keynotes and seminars, our Vice President of Research, Angelica Asis, spoke with Dr. Margaux Teil – a Parkinson Canada-funded researcher doing important work to improve our collective knowledge of Parkinson’s biology. They discussed Dr. Teil’s research, the importance of Canada being represented at international conferences like this, and how we can better include the voice of people with lived experience in the scientific process. 

Tell us a bit more about the research you shared during the conference. Why are platforms like AD/PD important for researchers to be able to share their work and collaborate with others in the field? 

My research focuses on the effects of the alpha-synuclein sequence on the propagation of the fibrils in non-human primates. This work will provide insights into Parkinson’s disease by supporting the development of a relevant model for the disease and allow testing of pertinent biomarkers, and ultimately of potential drugs before clinical trials. 

I think platforms like AD/PD are wonderful as they allow us to share our research projects, grow our expertise and learn how the research field is evolving. They can also make us think of different innovative pathways to expand our research. 

What have been your overall impressions of AD/PD so far? Interesting talks you’ve attended, good networking opportunities, just general camaraderie and bringing the field together, etc. 

AD/PD is an amazing conference, not only because it is an opportunity for clinicians and researchers to connect, but also because the topics focus specifically on neurodegenerative diseases. Other conferences in neuroscience are also very interesting, but I find that the strength of AD/PD is the emphasis on Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. The talks I’ve been to, even when they were not focused exactly on my topic, were extremely stimulating and some gave me ideas on how I could expand my project. The people I’ve talked to have been extremely open to discussing, exchanging ideas, and creating collaborations. I think AD/PD reminds us that we are really all working together to help patients that have these diseases and ultimately making their lives better. 

What are your thoughts on the importance of researchers from Canada attending international conferences like AD/PD, and ensuring that our work is being represented on a global scale? 

 With the research world always fluctuating, I believe that it is important to emphasize the innovative work done by Canadian researchers in the field of Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease. It also allows Canadian researchers to exchange among themselves and with their peers around the globe, allowing more collaborations within and outside of Canada. 

Where do you think Parkinson Canada can do more to help support early- and mid-career researchers beyond just providing funding to research projects? 

Parkinson Canada is doing a great job funding researchers at all levels, whether that’s PhDs, postdocs, and young PIs starting their teams. I think it’s important for us researchers, at any stage of our careers, to rely on more specific fundings like Parkinson Canada, and not only more global Canadian funding resources. To that point, the incorporation of travel awards from Parkinson Canada is extremely important as it allows PhD students and postdocs to have more opportunities to attend these conferences. 

With it now being Parkinson Awareness Month, do you have any thoughts on the importance of bringing the patient voice more into research and helping bridge the gap between academia and the community? 

I am a strong believer of how important the patient voice is at any stage of our research. From the researcher’s point of view, it helps us to better focus on the clinical implications of our research and reminds us of the importance of working together towards our common goal, which is first and foremost to help patients. We often tend to focus too much on the “day to day” of research and forget to take a step back and remember what we are striving for. 

Furthermore, it allows patients to realize the work that is being done, sometime help them understand some of the mechanistic aspects behind the disease and give them hope on potential future solutions.