More than 70 people with lived experience of Parkinson’s joined early career researchers from the MRC Protein Phosphorylation and Ubiquitylation Unit (MRC PPU) and wider Faculty of Life Sciences for an afternoon of conversations about Parkinson’s research on Monday 28 September.
Held at the Invercarse Hotel in Dundee, the event was co-organised by MRC PPU PhD students Chloe Flitton (Alessi Lab) and Rose Francis (Sammler Lab), together with the Dundee Research Interest Group (DRIG).
The afternoon wasn’t just about researchers presenting their science - the focus was on conversation. It gave early career researchers and people with lived experience of Parkinson’s space to talk about the research and learn from each other.
Six researchers - Chloe Flitton, Rose Francis, Nur Rashidova, Nadia Lefter, Christa Baker and Matthew Kiely - gave short, accessible talks on their work, covering topics including LRRK2, biomarkers and mitochondria, with plenty of time for questions and discussion.
The format let researchers and attendees explore the science together. People with lived experience asked questions and shared perspectives, sparking conversations about how samples of breath, sebum, and material from the nose could help advance research.
“It was a privilege to organise the event and chair the session, what really made the afternoon special was the conversations that came out of it. Hearing the questions and perspectives of people living with Parkinson’s was a powerful reminder of why we do this research, and how important it is to make space for these conversations. As researchers, we have so much to learn from people with lived experience, just as we hope they can learn something from us. Bringing these perspectives together helps us see our work differently and reminds us that research is ultimately about people.”
Chloe Flitton, PhD student in Dario Alessi’s Group, MRC PPU
Conversations continued beyond the talks. Over refreshments, attendees met more early career researchers presenting posters, with time for one-to-one discussion and deeper questions.
The MRC PPU’s Exchanges cards were used as prompts, helping researchers and people with lived experience share perspectives.
The accessible approach was warmly received. One attendee summed up the afternoon:
“What an interesting afternoon, I really enjoyed it. The enthusiasm from the young researchers was impressive.”
Event attendee
Others shared what they valued most:
“Meeting new people, especially the students.”
Event attendee
“It was educational and all the presentations and posters were presented in a way I could understand.”
Event attendee
The event was supported by Sarah Patrick, the MRC PPU’s Patient and Public Involvement Consultant, who worked with the researchers presenting talks and posters to help them communicate their science clearly for a public audience.
For the early career researchers involved, the day was a chance to practise accessible communication and to hear directly from people with lived experience of Parkinson’s.
“It was a real honour to be part of this day. Preparing my poster made me pause and think beyond the scientific language I use every day, asking myself what I really wanted people to take away and how I could make it meaningful to them. The conversations on the day brought those thoughts to life. Listening to people living with Parkinson’s share their experiences, concerns and hopes gave me a deeper appreciation for the research. I am especially grateful to Sarah Patrick for her care and encouragement in helping scientists like me share our work more openly and accessibly with those for whom it matters most. I left feeling grateful for those conversations and more connected to the purpose of my work.”
Jaijeet Singh, PhD student in Dario Alessi’s Group, MRC PPU
Parkinson’s UK provided financial support, with members of its team also helping to welcome and register attendees.
“I very much enjoyed hearing from the young scientists at the event. They all did a fantastic job of ensuring the content was accessible to all. A huge well done to everyone involved.”
Chloe Macmillan, Area Development Manager (Scotland), Parkinson’s UK
DRIG Secretary Jo Goodburn said the enthusiasm of the early career researchers - and the conversations they sparked - made the afternoon particularly special:
“This event was a new addition to the DRIG calendar, inspired by the enthusiasm of some early career researchers who wanted to be more involved with people with Parkinson’s. We were overwhelmed by the number of young researchers who volunteered their time to join us at this event and share the work they are doing in a way that non-scientists could understand. The atmosphere in the room was fantastic and the young scientists’ enthusiasm contagious. We would certainly like to make this an annual event, and are pleased to be able to share the information and wonderful illustrations presented to a wider audience.”
Jo Goodburn, DRIG Secretary
Find out more about the research
Become a member of the Dundee Research Interest Group
If you’re living with Parkinson’s, caring for someone with Parkinson’s, or simply interested in Parkinson’s research, you can become a member of the Dundee Research Interest Group (DRIG).