$1.5m boost accelerates Parkinson’s research at UOW

A major philanthropic investment is expected to accelerate research into Parkinson’s disease at the University of Wollongong (UOW), providing scientists with advanced technology capable of speeding up the search for improved diagnostics and treatments.

The $1.5 million donation from the Parkinson’s Research Foundation (PRF) has funded the installation of a high-throughput imaging and automation platform at UOW’s Molecular Horizons research institute.

The new system, Opera Phenix, will allow researchers to rapidly analyse large volumes of cell samples, helping them investigate the genetic, environmental and cellular mechanisms that contribute to Parkinson’s disease.

NSW Health Minister Ryan Park, who officially commissioned the platform last week, said continued investment in research was essential given the growing impact of the disease.

“Parkinson’s has a profound impact not only on around 70,000 people living with the condition in NSW, but also on their families, carers and communities,” he said.

“This world-class technology will allow researchers here at the University of Wollongong to work faster and at a much greater scale, helping to turn scientific discovery into better diagnosis, treatment and, ultimately, hope for a cure.”

Parkinson’s disease is Australia’s second most common neurodegenerative disease after dementia, affecting more than 200,000 Australians and around 10 million people globally.

The donation was first proposed by former PRF board member Philip Coleman, who is living with Parkinson’s disease and identified the technology as a way to remove a significant financial barrier facing researchers.

PRF was established in 2024 by Michael Katz AM and Dr Richard Balanson to support high-potential Parkinson’s disease research projects. Since its creation, the organisation has contributed more than $4.5 million to research initiatives across Australia.

“With Parkinson’s being the fastest-growing neurological condition globally, we cannot afford slow science,” Mr Katz said.

“Through this innovative agreement, we are stepping in where traditional funding cannot and removing a financial barrier to this world-class research tool. This will ensure discovery isn’t held back by economics.”

Professor Lezanne Ooi, whose team is currently leading four Parkinson’s disease research projects, said the platform would significantly expand the scope of their work.

“The Opera Phenix enables rapid analysis of large volumes of cell samples, allowing us to interrogate genetic, environmental and cellular pathways with far greater efficiency,” she said.

“This will directly accelerate our work towards improved diagnostics and therapies.”