(SeaPRwire) –   Leading figure in neuroscience will contribute to the evaluation and direction of Parkinson’s research funding.

NEW YORK, March 25, 2026 — The American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Walter Koroshetz to its Scientific Advisory Board (SAB). Dr. Koroshetz is a distinguished neurologist, neuroscientist, and former Director of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS).

With extensive leadership experience and a profound dedication to advancing neurological research, Dr. Koroshetz has made significant contributions to Parkinson’s disease (PD) initiatives at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). His expertise will be instrumental in shaping APDA’s research funding strategy as the organization continues to support innovative science aimed at improving the lives of individuals with PD and ultimately finding a cure.

“Dr. Koroshetz has been a steadfast advocate for Parkinson’s disease research,” stated Dr. Rebecca Gilbert, Chief Mission Officer at APDA. “He has consistently shown a deep commitment to those affected by neurological diseases. We are honored that he will continue to serve the Parkinson’s community as a member of APDA’s Scientific Advisory Board, and we eagerly anticipate the profound expertise he will bring to our processes.”

APDA’s Scientific Advisory Board comprises leading scientists with varied expertise across disciplines relevant to Parkinson’s disease research. The SAB plays a crucial role in APDA’s thorough grant review process, meticulously evaluating proposals and identifying the most promising and innovative projects for funding. The SAB, now with 16 members, represents some of the most brilliant and respected experts in the Parkinson’s field.

“The addition of Dr. Koroshetz to APDA’s Scientific Advisory Board is incredibly exciting for APDA and the Parkinson’s research community,” said Dr. David G. Standaert, MD, PhD, Chair of the APDA Scientific Advisory Board, John N. Whitaker Professor and Chair of Neurology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine. “He has been a pivotal force in brain research in the United States, and his comprehensive understanding of both basic neuroscience and clinical research, coupled with his experience leading large-scale NIH initiatives, will be invaluable in supporting our efforts to fund the most innovative, high-impact projects. We are proud and thrilled to welcome him to our SAB and look forward to collaborating to accelerate discoveries that can transform the lives of people with Parkinson’s disease.”

APDA’s research funding strategy has consistently prioritized supporting early-stage investigators—both those beginning their careers and those new to Parkinson’s research—by providing the initial funding necessary to generate preliminary data and secure larger grants. Through its competitive grant process, the SAB reviews and scores applications based on scientific merit, potential impact, investigator strength, and feasibility. Only the highest-quality proposals are recommended to the APDA Board of Directors for funding.

In addition to its regular grantmaking, APDA’s SAB recently demonstrated its adaptability to the evolving research landscape by supporting a special bridge funding initiative. This initiative provided essential funding to selected APDA-funded researchers experiencing unexpected delays or cuts in their funding, allowing them to continue their critical work without interruption.

About Dr. Walter Koroshetz
Dr. Walter Koroshetz is a neurologist and neuroscientist who joined NINDS as Deputy Director in 2007 before becoming Director in 2015. He held leadership positions in various NIH and NINDS programs, including the Accelerated Medicine Partnership in Parkinson’s Disease (AMP-PD), the Helping to End Addiction Long Term (HEAL) Initiative, the NIH’s BRAIN Initiative, the NIH Blueprint for Neuroscience, the Traumatic Brain Injury Center collaboration between the NIH intramural program and the Uniformed Health Services University, the NIH Office of Emergency Care Research, and the Common Fund’s Undiagnosed Disease and Acute to Chronic Pain Transition programs.

Prior to his tenure at NINDS, Dr. Koroshetz served as Vice Chair of the neurology service and Director of stroke and neurointensive care services at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), and as a professor of Neurology at Harvard Medical School (HMS).

For more information about APDA’s research program or to access PD information and support, please visit www.apdaparkinson.org, email apda@apdaparkinson.org, or call 800-223-2732.

Individuals wishing to support APDA’s research program and its efforts to assist everyone affected by PD can do so by visiting www.apdaparkinson.org/donate.

About the American Parkinson Disease Association
The American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to combating Parkinson’s disease (PD) by providing the support, education, research, and community resources that enable everyone impacted by PD to live life to the fullest. Through a national network of Chapters and Information & Referral (I&R) Centers, APDA actively works to raise public awareness of this chronic neurologic movement disorder and delivers exceptional patient services, resources, and educational and wellness programs to the approximately one million individuals living with PD in the United States, along with their care partners and families. With a vision of a world without PD, APDA’s national research program and Centers for Advanced Research strive to develop better treatments and unravel the complexities of the disease. APDA is also committed to advocating for public policy solutions that improve lives and advance the pursuit of a cure. Since its founding in 1961, APDA has raised and invested over $338 million in its mission to support the PD community. Learn more at www.apdaparkinson.org.

SOURCE American Parkinson Disease Association, Inc.