Describing the research competition

New priority research area: women and Parkinson’s

It’s Women’s History Month, and Parkinson Canada is celebrating the accomplishments of women while recognizing the unique experiences of women living with Parkinson’s. While their journeys, voices and outcomes often look different—women are too often under-represented in research and care—something we’re committed to changing. That’s why in 2024–2025 we supported researchers such as Dr. Veronica Bruno, whose work helps elevate the perspectives of women with Parkinson’s to the forefront, so they can directly shape the future of research and care.

In 2026, we’re deepening our commitment. Parkinson Canada recently designated a new research priority area to encourage applications that are focused on the health and well-being of women living with Parkinson’s, in recognition of the biological, social and other systemic factors that shape the way women experience Parkinson’s and how they’re supported.

In our 2026 research competition, we received numerous applications related to women’s health, and three of these applications were successfully funded, totalling nearly $300,000 in research funding. These funded projects will be focused on the development of novel drugs to improve Parkinson’s symptoms specifically in women, understanding the unique experiences of premenopausal women with Parkinson’s and understanding how environmental conditions and access to healthcare may affect the diagnosis of Parkinson’s in women.

Parkinson Canada’s research competition programs are funding studies that deepen our understanding of the condition, explore promising treatment approaches, and are developing innovative ways to improve daily life for people living with Parkinson’s. In 2026, we’re investing over $2.6 million through these research competitions—a reflection of our ongoing commitment to advancing meaningful, people-focused research.

To learn more about funding opportunities or to apply, visit our Apply for funding page.

Also check out some of the promising projects that were successfully funded for 2026.