Call for Participants: Parkinson’s DBS Focus Group at UCD – 15th April
University College Dublin researcher Dr. Judith Evers is inviting people living with Parkinson’s disease who have Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) to participate in a new focus group that will help shape future Parkinson’s research.
This inaugural session aims to bring the lived experience of people with Parkinson’s directly into the research process. The long-term goal is to develop a stakeholder group that can provide ongoing input into DBS-related research projects.
About the Research
The Neuromuscular Systems Lab at UCD, led by Dr. Judith Evers, conducts research focused on optimising Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) as a treatment for Parkinson’s disease.
Their work explores areas such as:
- The best brain locations for DBS electrodes
- Optimising stimulation parameters (current strength, pulse timing, frequency)
- Developing adaptive or “closed-loop” DBS systems that automatically adjust stimulation
- Investigating how DBS may improve symptoms such as bradykinesia, sleep, speech, and anxiety
To guide this work, researchers want to hear directly from people living with Parkinson’s who have DBS devices.
Purpose of the Focus Group
Participants will help researchers:
- Identify which Parkinson’s symptoms have the greatest impact on daily life
- Inform the future direction of DBS research
- Discuss the potential creation of a Parkinson’s Deep Brain Stimulation Advisory Committee
Your insights could help determine which symptoms and challenges researchers prioritise in future studies.
Focus Group Details
Date: Wednesday, 15 April 2026
Time: 10:30am – 1:00pm
Location: University College Dublin (UCD) campus
Format: In-person discussion
Tea, coffee, and refreshments will be provided.
Travel expenses will be reimbursed, although participants will not be paid for attending.
Who Can Apply
The focus group is open to:
- People living with Parkinson’s disease
- Individuals who currently have a Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) device
How to Apply
If you would like to take part, please email Dr. Judith Evers with a short explanation of why you would like to be involved.
Dr. Evers will follow up with further details about the focus group.
Why This Matters
Research is strongest when it includes the voices of those directly affected. Opportunities like this ensure that Parkinson’s research is informed by real experiences, helping scientists focus on the issues that matter most to people living with the condition.