“Critical support in PEARL and NCER-PD essential and unique for substantial and sustained impact on Luxembourg research landscape and international visibility and research excellence of Luxembourg. Without the support of FNR, and this I mean not only financially, I would not stand where I stand now with my research. Indeed, finding the perfect steering and afterwards advising board for NCER-PD was crucial for the success of NCER-PD.”

“Additionally, the FNR’s support to establish cross-border collaboration between the scientific communities of Quebec and Luxembourg has become crucial through its international “Québec-Luxembourg” AUDACE programme. We have been fortunate to benefit from such an international partnership under the Tripartite McGill-Luxembourg-Beijing collaboration, which has allowed us to leverage expertise in neuroinformatics, microbiome research, and brain-gut organoids models to model the early stages of Parkinson’s disease pathogenesis. This effort not only enriches our research capabilities but also positions Luxembourg as a key player in international neurodegenerative disease research.”

“FNR funding has also been crucial in securing my presidency of the Genetic Epidemiology of Parkinson’s Disease (GEoPD) consortium for three terms. This leadership role has facilitated numerous international collaborations, advancing our understanding of PD genetics and pathology. The FNR’s support has enabled high-impact research projects and international collaborations that have significantly bolstered my credentials and contributions to the field, thereby positioning me as a leader within the GEoPD consortium.”

“Throughout my career, I have trained and mentored numerous researchers with the support of FNR grants, significantly impacting their careers and advancing the field of neurodegenerative disease research. To date, I have mentored over 10 PhD students, with an additional 5 PhD students currently in progress, all supported by FNR funding. Additionally, I have mentored over 7 postdocs and at least as many MSc students.

“One notable example is Anne-Marie Hanff, who became the first nurse to enrol in a PhD program in Luxembourg. This was made possible through a co-tutelle arrangement with Maastricht University. Her pioneering work has elevated the role of nursing in clinical research and inspired other nurses to pursue advanced degrees, thereby enhancing clinical care standards in Luxembourg.

“Another example is Lukas Pavelka, Luxembourg’s first clinician scientist in training. Supported by research funding within the NCER-PD programme, Lukas has successfully integrated clinical practice with research, resulting in numerous publications. His dual role has fostered a research culture among clinicians, bridging the gap between medical practice and scientific inquiry, and was recently awarded the prestigious Thiemann Fellowship for outstanding junior clinician scientists at the Annual Congress of the German Neurological Society 2024.

“Ibrahim Boussaad, a postdoctoral researcher, has obtained PhD supervision rights through an “authorisation à diriger des Recherches (ADR)” and secured substantial funding through programs like JUMP and EU grants. His achievements have bolstered our research capabilities and facilitated the development of innovative diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

“Additionally, Peter Barbuti, another mentee, has advanced to a senior researcher position at Columbia University (New York, USA). This exemplifies the international career development opportunities facilitated by FNR-funded research training.

“These experiences have not only advanced the careers of these individuals but also enriched the field of neurodegenerative disease research through their contributions. For me, as a researcher, mentoring these great talents has provided fresh insights and reinforced the importance of nurturing the next generation of scientists.”