2026 Rallying to the Challenge
Rallying to the Challenge is a community-focused meeting designed for and by people with Parkinson’s, care partners and advocates. It features presentations on the latest research, discussions about important issues in Parkinson’s and opportunities to connect with other participants and speakers.
Hosted by Van Andel Institute and Cure Parkinson’s, Rallying to the Challenge occurs in tandem with the Grand Challenges in Parkinson’s Disease symposium and serves as a bridge between leading-edge science and lived experience.
Registration
Rallying to the Challenge in-person attendees also receive admission to the Grand Challenges in Parkinson’s Disease symposium, which occurs alongside the meeting. The registration fee includes coffee/tea, lunch and evening receptions on both days at VAI.
Cost
- Rallying to the Challenge is a free event (virtual registrations do not include registration for Grand Challenges in Parkinson’s Disease).
Questions? Please contact Courtney Zirkle at [email protected] or 616.234.5821.
Rallying to the Challenge is held in tandem with the Grand Challenges in Parkinson’s Disease scientific symposium. Symposium sessions are marked with ** and will be held in Tomatis Auditorium. Attendees are welcome to attend sessions at both events.
Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026
** Jay Van Andel Award for Outstanding Achievement in Parkinson’s Disease Research presentation and lecture
The Jay Van Andel Award is presented during the Grand Challenges in Parkinson’s Disease symposium. This session will be held in Tomatis Auditorium.
Breakfast and Rallying to the Challenge registration
Welcome
Helen Matthews — Cure Parkinson’s
Introducing the scientific themes of the day
Katelyn Beissert — Cure Parkinson’s
This introductory session will provide an overview of the key research themes that we will explore throughout the day, helping attendees get the most from the sessions that follow.
Understanding the Parkinson’s clinical trial landscape
Simon Stott, Ph.D. — Cure Parkinson’s
In this session, Dr. Simon Stott will present findings from Cure Parkinson’s landmark 10-year retrospective analysis of therapies in the clinical trial pipeline, offering a big-picture view of how Parkinson’s drug development has changed over the last decade.
Parkinson’s clinical trials
Patrik Brundin, M.D., Ph.D. — Roche
This session will explore current late-stage Parkinson’s trials and what successful outcomes could mean for people living with the disease. Attendees will learn about the challenges, opportunities and expectations associated with bringing new therapies closer to the clinic.
Movement break
Detecting Parkinson’s: Alpha-synuclein seeding assays
Yang Yang, Ph.D. — Van Andel Institute
Researchers are becoming increasingly skilled at detecting biological markers associated with Parkinson’s. This session will introduce alpha-synuclein seeding assays, an innovative diagnostic tool that may help identify Parkinson’s earlier and improve the way clinical trials are designed and delivered.
Lunch
Striatum board game interactive session
Research doesn’t always have to be presented through slides. This engaging and interactive session uses the Striatum board game, designed by France Parkinson’s, to explore key concepts in neuroscience and Parkinson’s research.
Measuring Parkinson’s: How do we know a treatment is working?
Chair: Dan Royer, Parkinson's Advocate
Panelists: Malu Tansey, Ph.D., University of Florida, and Kalpana Merchant, Ph.D., Northwestern University
In this panel discussion, leading researchers Drs. Malu Tansey and Kalpana Merchant will explore how Parkinson’s symptoms and progression are currently assessed in clinical trials, the limitations of traditional measurement tools and the exciting advances being made in biomarkers, digital technologies and patient-reported outcomes. Moderated by Parkinson’s Advocate Dan Royer, the conversation also will examine what matters most to people living with Parkinson’s and how researchers can ensure that clinical trial outcomes reflect real-world experiences.
Coffee break
Meet the Researchers: Early career researcher roundtable discussions
Join small-group discussions with emerging Parkinson’s researchers and learn about the innovative projects shaping the future of the field. Researchers will share their work in clear, accessible language, giving attendees the opportunity to ask questions, offer feedback and discuss how research can better address the needs and priorities of people with Parkinson’s. This unique session encourages meaningful conversations and helps strengthen connections between researchers and the Parkinson’s community.
Movement break
Advocacy in action workshop
Maddie Bonser — Cure Parkinson's
Esther Labib-Kiyarash — Parkinson’s advocate
In this workshop, attendees will hear about Cure Parkinson’s approach to involvement, learn from lived experience and share their own perspectives on what effective engagement looks like. Through small-group discussions, participants will explore how to make involvement more accessible and help generate practical recommendations that can strengthen participation and ensure the international Parkinson’s community remains at the heart of research.
Day one closing remarks
Helen Matthews — Cure Parkinson’s
**Poster session and networking reception
Attendees of Grand Challenges in Parkinson’s Disease and Rallying to the Challenge are invited to a poster session and reception at Van Andel Institute.
Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026
Welcome and review of day one
Helen Matthews — Cure Parkinson's
Jay Van Andel Award winner interview
This special interview offers attendees the opportunity to hear directly from the recipient of the prestigious Jay Van Andel Award. Discover the research, experiences and motivations behind their work, and hear their perspective on the future of Parkinson’s research.
Coffee break
Combination therapies: Progress and community perspectives
Simon Stott, Ph.D. — Cure Parkinson's
Rachel Hughes, Ph.D. — Cure Parkinson's
Last year, Rallying attendees shared their views on combination therapies and helped shape a new Cure Parkinson’s research funding call. This session will provide an update on how those insights influenced the process and demonstrate the impact patient perspectives can have on guiding future research priorities.
Biobanking and stratification: Toward personalized medicine
Thomas Beach, M.D., Ph.D. — Banner Sun Health Research Institute
Erin Williams, Ph.D. — MiND Program, Van Andel Institute
No two people experience Parkinson’s in the same way. Researchers are increasingly exploring how biological differences between individuals can help guide treatment decisions and improve trial design. This session will explain how biobanking, biomarkers and stratification are helping to move the field toward more personalized approaches to Parkinson’s care and research.
Rallying to the Challenge closing remarks
Helen Matthews — Cure Parkinson's
Lunch
**Feedback from Rallying to the Challenge to attendees of the Grand Challenges in Parkinson’s Disease symposium.
Helen Matthews — Cure Parkinson’s
Held in Tomatis Auditorium as part of the Grand Challenges in Parkinson’s Disease symposium.
**Tom Isaacs Award presentation
Held in Tomatis Auditorium as part of the Grand Challenges in Parkinson’s Disease symposium.
**Grand Challenges in Parkinson’s Disease closing remarks
Networking dinner
When is the Rallying to the Challenge meeting? How much does it cost?
Rallying to the Challenge will take place Sept. 23–24. Registration will open in spring 2026 and close in September 2026.
- Rallying to the Challenge is a free event (virtual registrations do not include registration for Grand Challenges in Parkinson’s Disease).
How are the Rallying to the Challenge meeting and Grand Challenges in Parkinson’s Disease symposium connected?
Rallying to the Challenge and Grand Challenges in Parkinson’s Disease are hosted side-by-side at Van Andel Institute on Sept. 23–24. This format fosters connection and enables attendees to participate in sessions at both the symposium and meeting.
Are there any evening events I can attend?
Yes! All attendees are invited to evening receptions on Sept. 23 and 24 at VAI. The scientific poster session will take place during the Sept. 23 reception. Both events are included with your registration.
What if I need other accommodations?
Please contact Courtney Zirkle to discuss any special accommodation needs.
How do I become a sponsor?
Please contact Courtney Zirkle for more information on sponsorship opportunities.
When is the registration deadline for Rallying to the Challenge?
The registration deadline to join us in person is Sept. 16. Registration for Rallying to the Challenge virtual attendance will remain open through the event.
When is the refund deadline?
The refund deadline is Sept. 16.
What is the refund policy?
Refund requests must be made in writing to Rallying to the Challenge by Sept. 16. After Sept. 16, refund requests will not be honored. If you are not able to attend, a substitute may attend in your place. The name and email address of the substitute must be emailed to Courtney Zirkle prior to Sept. 16.
Code of Conduct Guidelines
We are dedicated to providing a harassment-free, non-discriminatory symposium experience for all participants, regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, disability, pregnancy, height, weight, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other personal characteristics covered by applicable law. We will not tolerate harassment of conference participants in any form. We expect participants at our events to engage in constructive and professional discussions at all times. Harassment can include unwelcomed attention, inappropriate comments or jokes that refer to sexual topics, requests for dates, or other sexual activities as well as the use of language that may demean or degrade individuals. These behaviors are not appropriate for any of our conference venues, including talks, workshops, networking sessions, poster sessions, social networking platforms, and other online media platforms. Any participant violating these guidelines will be removed from the symposium at the discretion of the conference organizers.
Anyone who has experienced the above, or who has witnessed such behavior, should notify Courtney Zirkle. Anonymous reporting may also be done through the EthicsPoint Hotline.
Event Details
Contact Info:
Email: Courtney Zirkle