Research

The CENTRE-PD research is organized in six work packages (WPs) that will be leveraged in Luxembourg through collaboration and knowledge transfer from its experienced partners in Oxford and Tübingen.

Therein, WP 1 to 3 focus on implementing a scientific strategy for stepping up and stimulating scientific excellence and innovation capacity in Parkinson’s disease research in Luxembourg.

WP	Title	Addressed themes
1	Patient cohorts	Building of cohorts, Harmonisation of clinical assessments and data acquisition, Genetic characterisation and stratification
2	Diagnosis	Neuro-imaging, Brain bank
3	Treatment	Advanced stem cell technologies, Deep brain stimulation, Device-based assessment

Furthermore, WP 4 to 6 focus on ensuring sustainability and viability of the novel PD clinical centre through integration in and implementation of the Smart Specialisation Strategy of Luxembourg as well as stable partnerships and networks.

WP	Title	Addressed themes
4	People, networks and partnerships	Joint education and training programmes for postgraduate students and movement disorders neurologists Academic networking and partnerships with pharmaceutical and biotechnological industries to enhance innovation potential Regular meetings and mutual on-site visits
5	Awareness, outreach and communication programmes	Engagement of key stakeholders such as patients, carers, families, industry, decision makers and general public Raising public and professional awareness for brain diseases
6	Institutional sustainability and innovation	Management structure and procedures as well as evaluation procedures covering research and innovation Integration in the Smart Specialisation Strategy of Luxembourg as a proof-of-principle for future ‘data-driven medicine’