J. Timothy Greenamyre, MD, PhD, Love Family Professor and Director of the Pittsburgh Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases at the University of Pittsburgh, has been awarded the 2022 Robert A. Pritzker Prize for Leadership in Parkinson’s Research by the Michael J. Fox Foundation. This annual prize recognizes a Parkinson’s disease researcher that has made contributions – past and present – to Parkinson’s disease (PD) research and have committed to mentoring future generations of Parkinson’s scientists. Along with the recognition, the Michael J. Fox Foundation provides the awardee a $100,000 research grant.
MJFF video honoring Dr. Greenamyre and his dedication to Parkinson’s disease research!
Dr. Greenamyre’s research focuses on the genetic and environmental factors that are key to understanding Parkinson’s disease. He has provided evidence that pesticides like rotenone are major contributors to the disease; his development of a rotenone model has far-reaching impacts on the field and allows other researchers to study causes and treatments of Parkinson’s disease.
The MJFF Scientific Advisory Board serves as the jury panel each year, and the awardee is selected through strict criteria, including the nominee’s complete body of work in the Parkinson’s disease field with an impact on accelerating drug development; field-wide impact of the nominee’s work; dedication to patient relevant science; and influence on and encouragement of the next generation of Parkinson’s disease investigators.
“The Robert A. Pritzker Prize for Leadership in Parkinson’s Research has recognized, annually, some of the most amazing Parkinson’s scientists around the world. To be among those who have been recognized is humbling,” said Greenamyre. “My relationship with my patients is what motivates me. Working with these families over many years and seeing the impact of the disease drives my dedication to identify causal factors and biological contributors toward therapies and policies to stop Parkinson’s. To have those efforts recognized with this prize is an honor.”
The Michael J. Fox Foundation is the world’s largest non-profit funder of Parkinson’s research and is dedicated to accelerating a cure for Parkinson’s disease and improving therapies for people living with the condition today. In addition to funding $1.5 billion in research since its inception, MJFF collaborates with, “industry leaders, academic scientists and government research funders; creates a robust open-access data set and biosample library to speed scientific breakthroughs and treatment with its landmark clinical study, PPMI; increases the flow of participants into Parkinson’s disease clinical trials with its online tool, Fox Trial Finder; promotes Parkinson’s awareness through high-profile advocacy, events, and outreach; and coordinates the grassroots involvement of thousands of Team Fox members around the world.” To learn more about the Michael J. Fox Foundation, please visit www.michaeljfox.org.
