From Diagnosis to Global Impact: Clyde Campbell’s Mission to Accelerate Parkinson’s Research
In 2024, Clyde Campbell AM received the Research Australia Peter Wills Medal, the organisation’s highest honour, recognising an individual who has made an extraordinary, long-term contribution to Australia’s international reputation in health and medical research.
The award celebrates leaders who foster collaboration to achieve better health outcomes in Australia and around the world. For Campbell, that leadership emerged from deeply personal circumstances.
After being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, Campbell chose not to wait for a solution. Instead, in 2011 he founded Shake It Up Australia Foundation, an organisation with a clear mission: to slow, stop and ultimately cure Parkinson’s disease.
Building a Movement for Parkinson’s Research
Since its founding, Shake It Up Australia has played a pivotal role in transforming the Parkinson’s research landscape. By ensuring that 100% of donations go directly to research, with operational costs personally covered, at the time of the nomination the foundation had funded 79 Parkinson’s research projects across 23 institutes, contributing more than $30 million to scientific discovery.
These investments have helped position Australia as a significant contributor to global Parkinson’s research and have supported major international collaborations working towards breakthrough treatments.
Accelerating Global Collaboration
Campbell’s leadership has also helped drive innovative global partnerships. His collaboration with the Michael J. Fox Foundation has reshaped how Parkinson’s research is funded and managed in Australia, helping accelerate promising therapeutic pathways.
One major initiative emerging from this collaboration is the Catalyst Programme: Velocity, launched in 2022 alongside the Michael J. Fox Foundation and Cure Parkinson’s UK.
The program is designed to fast-track drug therapies with the potential to slow, stop or cure Parkinson’s disease.
In recognition of his extraordinary contributions to health and medical research, Campbell was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in 2021.
Momentum Since the Peter Wills Medal
Since receiving the Peter Wills Medal, Campbell’s mission has continued to expand through new partnerships and collaborative research initiatives.
“Since receiving the Peter Wills Medal, the most significant milestone has been expanding collaborative research initiatives aimed at accelerating new treatments for people living with Parkinson’s.”
“The recognition helped amplify our mission and opened doors to partnerships that continue to push the field forward.”
For Campbell, recognition is not simply a personal milestone, it is an opportunity to build momentum for the broader research community.
“Receiving the Peter Wills Medal was a great honour. Since the award, our work has continued to focus on accelerating Parkinson’s research and strengthening partnerships that bring science closer to patients.”
Awards such as the Peter Wills Medal also play a critical role in highlighting the long-term commitment required to advance medical research.
“Awards like this shine a light on work that often happens quietly over many years, helping to build momentum for the next generation of breakthroughs.”
Recognising Excellence in Research
Campbell is also a strong advocate for recognising the contributions of others across the sector.
“Recognition not only validates long-term commitment but also strengthens advocacy and partnership opportunities,” he said.
“I would strongly encourage colleagues to nominate outstanding contributors — celebrating excellence helps ensure Australia continues to lead the way in health and medical research.”
2026 Research Australia Awards
Campbell’s story is a powerful reminder of how leadership, collaboration and persistence can transform both research and lives.
