Parkinson's Symposium

Parkinson's NSW is hosting a free Parkinson's Symposium at the Masonic Centre Sydney on Thursday 3rd April 2025.

This symposium will bring together key scientists and clinicians from around Australia to discuss the latest developments in Parkinson's research, and how they are shaping care and treatments today.

Participants will have the opportunity to connect and learn about the latest developments in the field. Key topics will include:

The recent discovery of Parkinson's biomarkers and how they influence research and our understanding of Parkinson’s
Understanding the role of medication re-purposing for future treatments
Understanding the role of exercise in neuroprotection (slowing the progression of Parkinson’s)

Featured guest speakers* at the Sydney event include:

Professor Carolyn Sue
Dr Melissa McConaghy
Colleen Kerr
Dr James Peters
Associate Professor Richard Gordon
Professor Glenda Halliday
Dr Paulo Silva Pelicioni
Rachael Mackinnon - Parkinson's Nurse Specialist

There will also be a panel discussion on the value of involving people with Parkinson's in research to improve outcomes, featuring both researchers and community members living with Parkinson's.
Dr Martin Ostrowski and Emma Tinkler join the panel sharing their lived experience.

Sydney event details:

Date: Thursday 3 April 2025

Location: Masonic Centre Sydney
66 Goulburn Street, Sydney

Space is limited and registration is required. Please book your seat early to avoid missing out this must attend event.

9.00am	Registration
9.45-10.00am	Welcome and Introduction
10.00am - 11.00am	Professor Carolyn Sue, Kinghorn Chair, Neurodegeneration, AM, MBBS PhD, FRACP Personalised medicine for people with Parkinson's
11.00am - 11.30am	Rachael Mackinnon, Clinical Nurse Consultant Being a Nurse in Parkinson's Research
11.30am - 12.00pm	Dr Melissa McConaghy, FACP, Physiotherapist, Specialist Neurological Physiotherapist Sweat,Strength & Science: The Impact of Exercise on Parkinson's Progression
12.00pm - 12.30pm	Colleen Kerr, MSPA, CPSP, Speech Pathologist Beyond voice - emerging therapies for swallow, conversational participation, and facial expression
12.30pm - 1.30pm	Lunch
1.30pm - 2.15pm	Associate Professor Richard Gordon, PhD DABT, Program Lead, Translational Neuroscience & Therapeutics Program In Plain Sight - Exploring the role of medication repurposing in identifying new treatments in Parkinson's
2.15pm - 2.45pm	Dr James Peters, MBBS FRACP, Neurologist MRI Guided Focused Ultrasound in Parkinson's Disease
2.45pm - 3.45pm	Panel Discussion - The person with Parkinson's at the centre of research - how much have we advanced and how much we still need to do? Chair: Professor Glenda Halliday Panellists: Dr James Peters Emma Tinkler (lived experience) Dr Martin Ostrowski Dr Paulo Silva Pellicino Rachael McKinnon
3.45pm - 4.00pm	Closing remarks

*please note speaker lineup may change due to schedules. Visit this page for changes

All enquiries can be directed to Parkinson's NSW (02) 8051 1900 or contact Christine McGee christine.mcgee@parkinsonsnsw.org.au

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Contact the host of Parkinson's NSW Symposium - 3 April 2025