The second annual Grand Challenges in Parkinson’s Disease symposium takes place September 18-19, 2013, at Van Andel Institute (VAI) in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Organized by Patrik Brundin, M.D., Ph.D., head of the Translational Parkinson’s Disease Research Laboratory and director of the Center for Neurodegenerative Science, the symposium brings together global leaders in Parkinson’s and neurodegenerative disease research. The event features detailed information sessions and presentations aimed at professionals in the research/medical field, caregivers, and those living with Parkinson’s disease. The symposium provides attendees with insights into groundbreaking Parkinson’s research, and highlights the research and work of Alim Louis Benabid, M.D., Ph.D., this year’s recipient of the Jay Van Andel Award for Outstanding Achievement in Parkinson’s Disease.
Dr. Benabid’s work focuses on the approach of neurosurgical pathologies, particularly brain tumors and movement disorders, namely Parkinson’s disease. One of his recent achievements is the development of a robotic stereotactic surgery that permits biopsies and therapeutic acts aimed at functional targets.
The symposium features presentations, poster sessions, and addresses by global leaders in the field of Parkinson’s research. Grand Challenges in Parkinson’s Disease is one of the most comprehensive Parkinson’s and neurodegenerative disease events in the United States.
Please visit www.grandchallengesinpd.org for information on the 2013 Grand Challenges in Parkinson’s Disease symposium.
Van Andel Institute was established by Jay and Betty Van Andel in 1996. Van Andel Institute (VAI) is an independent research and educational organization based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, dedicated to preserving, enhancing and expanding the frontiers of medical science, and to achieving excellence in education by probing fundamental issues of education and the learning process. Van Andel Research Institute (VARI), VAI’s research arm, is dedicated to studying the genetic, cellular, and molecular origins of cancer, Parkinson’s, and other diseases, and working to translate those findings into effective therapies. This is accomplished through the work of more than two hundred researchers in on-site laboratories and in collaborative partnerships that span the globe. Find out more about Van Andel Institute or donate by visiting www.vai.org. 100% to Research, Discovery & Hope℠.
Source: Van Andel Institute
