treatments that slow, stop or reverse the condition. The charity also funds research to help better understand Parkinson's to improve treatment and care for people currently living with the condition. The charity produces a free research magazine, Progress, twice a year discussing current Parkinson's research. Grant schemes Parkinson's UK provides funding to UK-based researchers through a range of grants schemes, including: Project grants – tackling major research challenges Innovation grants – exploring original research ideas Career development awards – nurturing outstanding talent PhD studentships – attracting the best graduates Parkinson's UK is a member of the Association of Medical Research Charities (AMRC). This means that every application for research funding is subject to the same strict and transparent review process and is rigorously assessed by an independent panel of experts and people affected by Parkinson's. Parkinson's UK Brain Bank Parkinson's UK funds the Parkinson's UK Brain Bank at Imperial College London which provides brain tissue to UK and international Parkinson's researchers. In April 2009 Parkinson's UK held an appeal to increase the number of people signed up to the brain donor register. Jane Asher, Jeremy Paxman and John Stapleton were some of the people who pledged to donate their brain to Parkinson's research following the campaign. Criticism In June 2011 the charity was one of four organisations subject to a national boycott campaign by an animal rights group regarding their usage of animal testing. "Animal Aid plans to take out a series of newspaper adverts urging the public to stop giving money to Cancer Research UK, the British Heart Foundation, the Alzheimer's Society and Parkinson's UK unless they end their support for animal testing." See also Parkinson's disease References External links Official site Health charities in the United Kingdom Health in the City of Westminster Neurology organizations Organisations based in the City of Westminster