Honorary doctorate for Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research

Simon Meadows

Last updated 10/03/2010 17:52:39

He became a star for his work as an actor, now Michael J. Fox has been recognised as a star for raising the profile of Parkinson's disease.

The condition is a neurodegenerative disorder of unknown cause that affects nearly 5 million individuals worldwide. While advancing age remains the greatest risk factor, it can strike people even under the age of 30.

Michael was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 1991 and shared this news with the world seven years later. Since then he has become known for his activities to promote research and awareness of the disease. He's campaigned for improved treatments and a cure through the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, which was formed ten years ago.

Now, the foundation has been awarded an honorary doctorate from Sweden's Karolinska Institute. Its Dean, Clara Gumpert, said: "Strongly influenced by Michael's personal philosophy, his foundation operates with rare dynamism and a constant focus on speeding breakthrough treatments to the world's 5 million Parkinson's patients."

"In its short history, The Michael J. Fox Foundation has gained the admiration and respect of the worldwide research community for its rigorous scientific standards and its commitment to quickly and aggressively funding high-impact therapeutic development."

Honorary doctorates are awarded to academics who have made a significant contribution, scientific or otherwise, to research at the university, and to people who have not earned a PhD through formal academic achievements, but who have nonetheless benefited research and development through other means.

Previous recipients of honorary doctorates from the Karolinska Institute include Microsoft founder and personal computer visionary Bill Gates in 2008 and South African peace activist Nelson Mandela in 2005.

Michael, who's also an award-winning television and film actor and the author of two best-selling memoirs, said: "It is especially meaningful because our foundation and the Karolinska Institute share a belief in the power of scientific endeavour to create a future that is better for everyone, and a commitment to act strategically, even unconventionally, to help bring that future closer."



To find out more about the foundation

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