Jon Palfreman to take part in worldwide Parkinson's webcast

UO journalism professor Jon Palfreman will take part in a first-of-its-kind live global webcast looking at progress being made toward a treatment for Parkinson’s Disease.

The World Parkinson Coalition Scientific Update brings together researchers and experts from around the world to discuss recent developments and challenges in the treatment of the illness. Palfreman, the KEZI Distinguished Professor of Broadcast Journalism, will talk about therapeutics and delivery systems at the webcast.

Palfreman is an award-winning journalist who has produced in-depth television documentaries for the BBC and PBS, including the “Nova” and “Frontline” programs. His work looks at the intersection of science and technology and policy and law, including topics such as genetically modified food and fears over living near power lines.

Palfreman also co-authored a book on Parkinson’s, “The Case of the Frozen Addicts,” and writes a blog for the Journal of Parkinson’s Disease.

The webcast, which runs from Sept. 30 to Oct. 2, is an interim program aimed at providing a scientific update between the international World Parkinson Congresses. The last congress was held last year in Montreal, and the next one will be in 2016 in Portland.

This will be the first time the Parkinson’s coalition has held an interim update webcast.

“We are thrilled that Dr. Palfreman has agreed to be a part of this outstanding online program,” said WPC Executive Director Elizabeth Pollard. “The WPC Scientific Update is our way to help bring the community together more often.”

The update webcast will offer live, interactive online panels twice daily. For a schedule or to register, click here.