Cure Parkinson’s and Van Andel Institute announce Dr. Esther Sammler as winner of the 2026 Tom Isaacs Award
October 5, 2026
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (Oct. 5, 2026) — Cure Parkinson’s and Van Andel Institute are delighted to announce Dr. Esther Sammler as the winner of the 2026 Tom Isaacs Award, which honors researchers who closely collaborate with the Parkinson’s community.
Sammler’s win was announced Sept. 24 at the annual Grand Challenges in Parkinson’s Disease symposium and parallel Rallying to the Challenge meeting for people with Parkinson’s, held in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The award was presented to Sammler virtually by Cure Parkinson’s CEO Helen Matthews and Parkinson’s advocate Jessi Keaveney.
Sammler works as both a consultant neurologist at NHS Tayside and a researcher at the University of Dundee, where she focuses on translating laboratory discoveries into better treatments for people with Parkinson’s.
Within her lab at the university’s Medical Research Council Protein Phosphorlylation and Ubiquitylation Unit (MRC-PPU), she leads a team of postdoctoral researchers and Ph.D. students working on projects related to the gene LRRK2 and its relationship to Parkinson’s. In her NHS role, alongside being an NHS movement disorder specialist, she also leads a portfolio of phase 2 and phase 3 clinical trials for Parkinson’s. This included leading the successful Abbvie Foslevodopa/Foscarbidopa trial in 2019, later licensed as Produodopa.
Alongside her research, Sammler works extensively with Parkinson’s advocate groups and charities. Recently, Sammler was part of a collaborative effort to develop a more holistic approach to Parkinson’s care. The new role is the first of its kind in the United Kingdom and recognizes the increasing need for mental health support for those living with Parkinson’s. Sammler also is committed to developing the next generation of researchers and clinicians, mentoring staff and encouraging them to challenge themselves.
Members from the Tayside Neuroprogressive and Dementia Network team who nominated Sammler for the award said:
“Esther’s passion and determination to make a difference to the lives of those affected by Parkinson’s is inspirational in the eyes of her patients, colleagues and across the wider field. She does so with such warmth, empathy and an abundance of compassion. She is a phenomenal clinician, scientist, supervisor and mentor who is building a legacy that will last for decades to come.”
Helen Matthews, CEO of Cure Parkinson’s, said:
“We are delighted to present the Tom Isaacs Award for 2026 to Esther. In both her consultant neurologist and researcher roles, she has shown an outstanding commitment to bettering the lives of those affected by Parkinson’s. Esther has also shown a real dedication to the Parkinson’s community beyond her day-to-day roles, working with Parkinson’s community and advocacy groups and charities, as well as mentoring junior colleagues. We are truly thrilled to celebrate Esther’s incredible work and commitment to the Parkinson’s community with this award.”