The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research established its Research Tools Program to address gaps in the field and common challenges surrounding the development of reagents and models that slowed the initial stages of promising research projects. In collaboration with many partners and stakeholders, the Research Tools Program helps ensure that scientists around the world have access to high-quality reagents, models, and more. These tools have been instrumental in launching novel research projects to better understand Parkinson's disease and to develop promising new treatment strategies. This episode features Dr. Nicole K. Polinski, Director of Research Resources at The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. In our conversation, she discusses her role in the organization, the wide variety of tools available through the Research Tools Program, and how academic and industry researchers can share their insights and feedback on current tools and future directions for tool development.

Mentioned in this episode:

The Foundation’s landmark research study is exploring the connection between sense of smell and brain disease. People with and without Parkinson's can help by taking a free scratch-and-sniff test. Get yours at mysmelltest.org/request.

This podcast episode was part of a limited series created by The Michael J. Fox Foundation in 2023 and 2024 for clinicians and researchers in our audience.  These episodes provide a deeper dive into exciting new scientific research in Parkinson’s disease, as well as innovative tools and valuable resources, through conversations with a variety of experts in the field. We hope you enjoy the conversation.