Professor Thomas Foltynie

Professor Thomas Foltynie is a leading neurologist and clinical academic specialising in movement disorders, based at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery in Queen Square, London. He holds the position of Professor of Clinical and Movement Neurosciences at University College London (UCL), where he combines clinical care with translational research to improve outcomes for people living with Parkinson’s disease and related conditions.

His research is at the forefront of efforts to develop and evaluate novel treatments for Parkinson’s disease. He is Chief Investigator for a landmark series of clinical trials investigating exenatide, a potential neurorestorative therapy. In addition, he leads UCL’s involvement in a multicentre trial exploring fetal dopaminergic cell transplantation, aimed at replacing the cells lost in Parkinson’s.

Professor Foltynie is also involved in pioneering work using deep brain stimulation (DBS) not only for motor symptoms, but as an investigational treatment for the cognitive decline seen in advanced Parkinson’s and dementia with Lewy bodies. He has further extended the application of DBS to patients with severe Tourette syndrome, leading a UK trial to explore its benefits in this challenging context.

He completed his PhD on the genetics and epidemiology of Parkinson’s disease and now oversees the care of patients receiving DBS for Parkinson’s and other complex neurological conditions. Beyond his clinical and research roles, he serves on the scientific advisory boards of the Cure Parkinson’s Trust and its Linked Clinical Trials Initiative, helping to shape the global research agenda for disease-modifying therapies.

Professor Foltynie’s work bridges bench and bedside—bringing hope to patients today, while advancing the treatments of tomorrow.