When MJFF launched PDOR www.pdonlineresearch.org, it was with just this type of exchanges in mind ... we could see the value of such exchanges of pre-published information that took place in our extensive interactions in face-to-face meetings with small groups of scientists (academic, industry and clinical) in our reviews / assessments / funding strategy sessions. Our hope and belief was that we could / should find a way to broaden the experience beyond people in the room. The intent is not to drive the field to consensus but rather make room for multiple points of concensus on key challenges with the hopes of illuminating key areas for continued investigation.

The site has been up for about six months and admittedly, its still an experiment--we don't know if we can drive sufficient traffic to get the site at a critical mass of investigators to truly have an impact. This kind of cross-talk is near non-existent within science. By the way, there are many outcomes of PDOR that would make it a success in our mind.

* Elevating and expanding discourse to new pockets of relevant research
* Identifying new targets
* Attracking new investigators to PD work
* Avoiding unnecessary duplication of effort / wasted research dollars
* Facilitate access to potential collaborators

While membership (ie, one can do a blog entry) is limited to scientists and grant makers, the entire site is open to the public. So, patients and caregivers can follow threads of interest as well. Some members of Neurotalk are also members of PDOR.

Anyway, just wanted to be sure folks were aware that MJFF is behind such an effort.

Happy Holidays,

Debi Brooks