SCIENCE HUMANISED: PARKINSON’S AWARENESS MONTH WITH NIALL SMITH.

Career Journey and Professional Development:  

Niall’s journey in the pharmaceutical industry began at the University of Lancaster, followed by valuable experience at ProPharma Group. His eight-year tenure at Britannia Pharmaceuticals has been marked by continuous growth and development, including the completion of an MBA at Warwick Business School, which has enhanced his approach to medical affairs. 

Understanding Parkinson’s Disease: 

As we observe Parkinson’s Awareness Month this April, our discussion sheds light on this progressive neurological condition. Some key insights shared during our conversation: 

• The condition affects approximately 153,000 people in the UK, with numbers expected to rise to 172,000 by 2030 (1)

• While typically associated with those over 50, about 1.2% of cases are early-onset Parkinson’s (1)

• The disease manifests through over 40 different symptoms, with motor symptoms like tremors being commonly recognised (1).

Recent Advances and Cultural Impact:

 Our conversation continued, exploring recent developments in Parkinson’s research, including: 

• Current understanding of idiopathic Parkinson’s 

• Advances in treatment approaches and therapeutic targets 

• The impact of public figures sharing their experiences with Parkinson’s, such as Michael J Fox’s documentary “Still”.

The Human Side of Medical Science: 

The episode concluded with a discussion about the importance of humanising scientific approach in healthcare, reflecting on how this perspective enhances the work between healthcare professionals and their patients. 

Who we are: 

Enjoy the read and the interview? Well, we thought we’d introduce you to who’s behind it all.    

At the end of the day, science isn’t just about research and results – it’s about people. It’s about how discoveries impact lives, how knowledge empowers action, and how communication builds trust. At Verve, a health communications agency, we believe that science should be told in a way that feels engaging, accessible, and deeply human.  

That’s why we focus on Science, humanised – an approach that goes beyond simplifying complex information. We bring clarity and emotion together, ensuring that scientific communication doesn’t just educate but resonates. Because when science speaks to people, it doesn’t just inform…it inspires.  

Every discovery has a story. Whether it’s the latest healthcare breakthrough, a transformative piece of research, or an innovative new treatment, our mission is to ensure that science is heard, understood, and remembered. We take the precision of data and the power of storytelling and bring them together to create impact.  

Because science should be more than just understood – it should be felt. 

References:

(1) Parkinson’s UK. Reporting on Parkinson’s: information for journalists. Available at: https://www.parkinsons.org.uk/about-us/reporting-parkinsons-information-journalists. Last accessed: April 2025.