VOLUME 30, ISSUE 1 • March 2026. Full issue »

A message from the MDS President

Dear Members,

I am delighted to welcome Kathryn Peall, MD, PhD, as the new Co-Editor of Movement Disorders Clinical Practice. Prof. Peall brings outstanding clinical and academic expertise, along with a strong commitment to translating advances in movement disorder research into practical guidance for clinicians worldwide. Her leadership alongside Co-Editor Davide Martino, MD, PhD, will help ensure the journal remains a trusted resource for high-quality, clinically relevant information.

I also congratulate leaders in the African Section for their first regional conference in Nairobi, Kenya, in partnership with the Global Parkinson's Genetics Program (GP2). In addition to delivering a broad range of practical skills, the meeting emphasized the local realities of care and showcased outstanding examples of collaboration across the African region.

We also recently concluded a highly successful PAS Congress. For three days, Houston became a hub for outstanding science, dynamic discussions, and warm, meaningful professional connections. If you could not make it, you can read about its many highlights in this issue.

It left me eagerly looking forward to another set of upcoming scientific exchanges:

The ES Focused Workshop in Lubeck, Germany, Parkinson’s Disease, Decoded: Genes, Environment, and the Epidemiological Challenge, will offer an important, high-level scientific forum and in-depth exploration of the most cutting-edge topics of the moment.

The consecutive Movement Disorders Clinical Practice Conference will focus on real-world challenges in addressing genetic etiology and lifestyle patterns.

If you are interested in what is next in PD care and discovery, I truly urge you attend. I hope to see many of my colleagues from the European Section there.

As we look toward the future, we have also begun a series of Regional Action Planning Meetings, where diverse international representatives are working to operationalize our Strategic Plan at the local level, focusing on:

Fostering deeper collaboration across diverse professional communities by offering more networking opportunities and expanding representation

Deepening partnerships with local Affiliates and strategic partners to advance the Society’s mission, visibility, and advocacy impact

Strengthening regional education through innovative formats and locally tailored content

The initial meetings have already generated thoughtful discussion and encouraging ideas, and I look forward to seeing these develop into meaningful regional initiatives in the months ahead.

With warm regards,

David Burn, FMedSci, MD, FRCP
MDS President