Administrative news: #PostAc

~ Simon

Dear reader,

For the purposes of transparency and full disclosure, there have been some changes in my personal circumstances that I need to make you aware of going forward.

No, the SoPD is not stopping (calm down Lionel), but it will no longer be the blog of a research scientist.

Let me explain:

I have decided to step away from academia – to take up a new role as the Deputy Director of Research at the Cure Parkinson’s Trust, which I will be starting on the 1st of October.

It was a very easy decision to make as the aims and goals of CPT are very much in line with my own. I also believe that this is a very exciting time for Parkinson’s research, and I am extremely excited to be taking on a more proactive and impactful role.

The SoPD will continue as usual, but please understand that any opinions expressed here will be solely my own and may not necessarily reflect those of the Cure Parkinson’s Trust.

Sincerely,

Simon

 

PS  We will be relentless

 

The banner for today’s post was sourced from culcmirzah4

Published by Simon

I am the Director of Research at Cure Parkinson's. Before that I was working as a Parkinson's research scientist at the University of Cambridge where I conducted both clinical- and lab-based research on Parkinson's. I have worked in the Parkinson's research field for over 15 years - both academically and in biotech ventures. All of my views/opinions expressed here are solely my own, and may not reflect the views of my employer or associated parties.

54 thoughts on “Administrative news: #PostAc”

  1. wonderful news – I’m delighted you have such a prestigious job. I hope CPT will make a real difference in the search for a Cure for everyone

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  3. Phew, I was afraid the blog was coming to an end! This blog has been a tremendous help!! Thanks for all of the effort you put into it!

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  4. Great News! CPT is a great organization and a leader in PD research. A perfect match. Might we see you in Grand Rap;ids MI next week?

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    1. Thanks Tom! Yes, I will be in Grand Rapids next week – find me and let’s have a chat. I’m easy to find: ridiculously tall and freakishly good looking (with a bit of a kiwi accent). See you next week.
      Kind regards,
      Simon

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  5. Such terrific news for both you and CPT! I was afraid you were moving to some version of the Dark Side (where they actually make money; just kidding). Thought that the Grand News wouldn’t be announced until Grand Rapids. Glad to have the mystery solved in advance. Congrats!!

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  7. Wonderful news, Simon! Thought we would have to wait for the ‘grand announcement’ in Grand Rapids. Congrats to both you and Cure Parkinson’s Trust!

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    1. Thanks John. It is an amazing opportunity. And at such an exciting time for Parkinson’s research. I feel humbled and honored to be invited to join CPT at this moment in time, and tremendously excited by what lies ahead.
      Kind regards,
      Simon

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  10. Congratulations, Simon! I recently found this site and I love it!! Introduced my neurologist to it, and he was impressed – he said, “incredibly well written and engaging.” Loved your PS – We will be relentless. We’re relying on you!
    Best, Nadra

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  12. Congratulations! I was afraid for a second that you were ending your blog. I’m always excited when I see a new post. Best wishes at your new position.

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  13. Congratulations to Cure Parkinson’s Trust for such a great catch! Someone with a broad understanding of the disease, and yet able to explain the science so clearly. We’re expecting great things!

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  15. Congratulations Simon! It is likely the perfect wedding of minds where both the bride (CPT) and the groom (Simon) should be delighted! May the merger of your brains last for many, many years and be very productive. I have no doubts that it will. Looking forward to seeing you here in Grand Rapids in a few days from now.

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  17. Such a nice community around this blog–one of the treasures of the world wide web. Cure is lucky to have you. Sorry I’ll miss out on seeing you in Amway-ville. Maybe next time.

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  19. Congratulations Simon, I’m very pleased for you – the CPT have acquired a great asset in the pursuit of Parkinson’s solutions. Best wishes.

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  20. Congratulations; I can see how this puts you at the nexus of patients and research already occupied by your blog. Although it’s puzzling that, as “Deputy Directory of Research” you would not still be a “Research Scientist.” But I suppose there must be more of an administrative and/or communications aspect to this position, as opposed to a “late nights all alone with a test tube” orientation. Perfect choice, in any case, for both you and the Trust.

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    1. Thanks Lou – the new role is more administrative and science communications. I am leaving the lab bench behind – the last few weeks in the lab before leaving had a melancholic aspect to them as I was doing various techniques and thinking ‘this might be the last time I ever do this’. But I am hugely excited by the opportunities that lie ahead and look forward to being part of the overall effort to have a real impact on PD.
      Kind regards,
      Simon

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  22. Congratulations Simon. Glad to see that you will continue with your blog, would have missed them. I pass them on to our local Parkinson’s branch and the way that you manage to simplify even the most involved of subjects really helps to get the message through to us lesser mortals!.

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  23. Wow Simon! That’s fantastic news for all your fans. I’ll introduce myself on Wednesday; look for the guy in the Rock Steady Boxing shirt. Dan McEachin

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  24. Simon, Congratulations and best of luck in your new position. I am sure that you will make a difference in the fight with this terrible disease and with your help the Trust will live up to its name. If your new job takes you to Grand Rapids, Michigan stop by for a cup of tea and a friendly conversation: I live just a couple of hour drive away from GR.
    Thank you for all your help!
    Felix

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    1. Thanks Felix – apologies, but I am writing this a week after visiting Grand Rapids. That cup of tea and conversation will have to wait until next year!

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  26. Fantastic news for the PD community with the addition of a great talent to a great organization! I’m so happy we had some time to speak in Grand Rapids this past week. Finally, congratulations on being a co-recipient of this year’s Tom Issacs Award (along with Professor Bastiaan Bloem)!! A well deserved award for both of you.

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    1. Thanks Gary – I hope you got home ok from Grand Rapids – it was very nice to meet you too and I look forward to following up that conversation. The award was wholly unexpected and took me completely by surprise. I was lost for words. I was honored to be mentioned in the same sentence as Prof Bas Bloem, let alone to be sharing an award with him. It meant a lot that the community voted for me and I was deeply touched.
      Kind regards,
      Simon

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  27. Simon, Delighted to hear your blog will continue, it is extremely useful. I am forging my own path through PD, ever the experimental biologist ! So will be in touch via Helen at CPT when I have a proposal.
    Best regards, Peter

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