Ian Reynolds, PhD, MJFF scientific advisor
At The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, collaboration with leading scientists is essential to driving breakthroughs in Parkinson’s disease treatment. Our global network of scientific advisors plays a crucial role in reviewing research projects, identifying key opportunities and addressing challenges that could move progress forward. Their expertise helps shape and implement our research strategy, ensuring that promising ideas advance toward real-world impact.
Each year, we recognize an outstanding advisor whose dedication has significantly contributed to our shared goals. This year, we are proud to present the J. William Langston Award to Ian Reynolds, PhD, president, YaghPenn Consulting. With a career dedicated to advancing treatments for neurodegenerative diseases, Reynolds previously served as chief executive officer at Rewind Therapeutics and led the CNS Discovery group at Teva Pharmaceuticals. At Knopp Biosciences, he guided a team focused on developing therapies for Parkinson’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, stroke, Alzheimer’s disease and ophthalmology.
“Drug discovery is complex—it takes more than just a team; it takes a whole community,” said Reynolds. “The Michael J. Fox Foundation has done an incredible job of bringing people together to create that environment, increasing the chances of success in developing new Parkinson’s treatments.”
Reynolds dedication to supporting scientific advancement is evident in his unwavering commitment to application reviews and assessments for MJFF programs. Beyond evaluations, Reynolds works directly with applicants to strengthen their experimental plans, maximizing their chances of success. His collaboration with MJFF is impactful—offering insightful, constructive feedback and helping grantees navigate challenges and refine their research strategies.
“We are incredibly fortunate to have Ian Reynolds as a member of our advisory team,” said Jessica Tome Garcia, PhD, MJFF’s lead scientific program manager. “His expert guidance and collaborative approach help drive the Foundation’s research strategies forward.”
MJFF established the J. William Langston Award in 2006 to show appreciation to our hard-working advisors. Langston was a founding scientific advisor when the Foundation was first getting on its feet and worked tirelessly with MJFF staff in those early years to pull together world-leading experts in Parkinson's disease research and to coordinate our first funding initiatives. The Langston Award, which comes with a $25,000 research grant, reflects his original spirit and commitment to the Foundation.