C-OPN at the SOLVE Parkinson’s Conference in Fredericton

The Canadian Open Parkinson Network (C-OPN) was proud to participate in the SOLVE Parkinson’s Conference, held recently in Fredericton, New Brunswick. The event’s theme, Strengthening Outcomes through Learning, Voices, and Engagement (SOLVE) captured the collaborative and hopeful spirit that defined the day.

Representing C-OPN were Anna, our National Manager, and Iris, our Clinical Research Advisor, who connected with researchers, clinicians, and people living with Parkinson’s from across the province and beyond. Mark Taylor, a member of C-OPN’s Parkinson Community Advisory Committee (PCAC), also attended in his own capacity as an advocate and organizer, while continuing to champion C-OPN’s mission in the region.

As conference co-chair Dr. Erik Scheme shared, “We brought together over 120 researchers, clinicians, caregivers, partners, and people living with Parkinson’s from across the province and beyond for a day filled with collaboration, learning, inspiration, and hope.”

Building Connections and Growing the Network

Throughout the day, Anna and Iris had the opportunity to meet with researchers interested in joining C-OPN and to speak with people with lived experience who are eager to support Parkinson’s research in New Brunswick. Several researchers who were not yet members signed up to join the network and gain access to our national database, biobank, and registry—key resources that accelerate discovery and collaboration across Canada.

Attendees were also excited to hear that C-OPN plans to establish New Brunswick as the newest C-OPN site. This includes a remote recruitment model that will allow individuals in rural and remote areas to participate in research without facing barriers due to geography. Many people at the conference joined the C-OPN Registry to be contacted once the new site is officially launched.

Iris also met with Dr. Alex Medina Escobar, a movement disorders neurologist at the Moncton Hospital, who will serve as the Principal Investigator for the New Brunswick remote site. This partnership marks an important step toward expanding C-OPN’s national network and ensuring equitable access to research opportunities.

Collaboration in Action

The afternoon sessions provided space for meaningful discussion and idea-sharing. Anna Bendas from C-OPN and Chris Rattan from Parkinson Canada co-moderated group sessions focused on turning ideas into tangible actions that can improve outcomes for people living with Parkinson’s.

The conference itself was spearheaded by Mark Taylor, a dedicated advocate and member of C-OPN’s PCAC, together with Dr. Erik Scheme, Professor and Associate Director of the Institute of Biomedical Engineering at the University of New Brunswick. The event originated from the New Brunswick Parkinson’s Disease Working Group, which Mark created earlier this year, and quickly came to life through strong collaboration and community support.

This successful event was made possible thanks to the partnership of Parkinson Canada, the University of New Brunswick, AbbVie, BlueRock Therapeutics, and Research NB.

Looking Ahead

C-OPN’s participation at SOLVE highlighted the importance of partnership between people with lived experience, researchers, and advocates in driving progress against Parkinson’s disease. The energy and enthusiasm seen in Fredericton reflect a strong and growing community ready to take action.

As C-OPN moves forward with plans to launch the New Brunswick site, we remain committed to ensuring that every person affected by Parkinson’s can contribute to research and benefit from its outcomes, no matter where they live in Canada.