Pioneering scientist wins annual Jay Van Andel Award

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (Sept. 27, 2017) — Van Andel Research Institute announces pioneering physician-scientist J. William Langston, M.D., as the 2017 winner of the Jay Van Andel Award for Outstanding Achievement in Parkinson’s Disease Research. Dr. Langston’s work with the “frozen addicts,” six people who came down with severe Parkinson’s-like symptoms in the 1980’s after taking synthetic heroin, revolutionized the way the disease is studied. He went on to author more than 360 publications in the field of neurology and founded the Parkinson’s Institute and Clinical Center in Sunnyvale, California, where he continues to conduct research and treat patients.