# UK neuroscientist Gerhardt honored as 2026-27 University Research Professor **Published:** 2026-06-09T16:15:42.000Z **Source:** [University of Kentucky News](https://uknow.uky.edu/research/greg-gerhardt-2026-27-university-research-professor-qa) **AI-generated:** yes (claude-haiku-4-5-20251001) **Canonical:** https://feeds.lexingtonky.news/article/uk-neuroscientist-gerhardt-honored-as-2026-27-university-research-professor LEXINGTON, Ky. — A University of Kentucky neuroscientist whose groundbreaking research focuses on slowing the progression of Parkinson's disease has been named a 2026-27 University Research Professor, according to [UKNow, the university's news outlet](https://uknow.uky.edu/research/greg-gerhardt-2026-27-university-research-professor-qa). Greg A. Gerhardt, a professor in the UK College of Medicine's Department of Neuroscience who holds the Charles D. Lucas Jr. Professorship for Parkinson's Disease Research, was among 17 faculty members approved by the University of Kentucky Board of Trustees for the prestigious honor. His research has focused on what he calls "bench to-bedside" development of novel therapeutics and disease-modifying therapies for Parkinson's disease. Gerhardt directed the Morris K. Udall Parkinson's Disease Research Center of Excellence at UK from 1999-2012, one of only 14 National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke-sponsored centers nationwide. He led the team developing a Phase I clinical trial for glial cell-line derived neurotrophic factor for Parkinson's disease in collaboration with biotech company Amgen. He has authored or co-authored more than 370 peer-reviewed papers and more than 80 book chapters. Since joining UK's College of Medicine in 1999, Gerhardt has become "a cornerstone of its neuroscience research enterprise," according to Luke Bradley, Ph.D., professor and acting chair of neuroscience. "His ability to bring together scientists, engineers, physicians and industry partners makes him an exceptional collaborator and a true pioneer, turning discovery into impact and ultimately improving patient outcomes." Gerhardt's current work includes two clinical trials, STAR and LEAP, investigating whether his team can not only treat Parkinson's disease but slow its progression. The trials use an unconventional approach: implanting a patient's own peripheral nerve tissue into the brain during deep brain stimulation surgery. "It's your own tissue, so there's no immunosuppression, no ethical issues," Gerhardt said. Established by the Board of Trustees in 1976, [the University Research Professors program](https://www.research.uky.edu/support/university-research-professors) recognizes excellence across the full spectrum of research at UK. Each honoree receives a $10,000 award to advance their research. Gerhardt said the designation will provide funds for pilot projects for his graduate students and help attract new researchers to his laboratory. ## Sources - [University of Kentucky News](https://uknow.uky.edu/research/greg-gerhardt-2026-27-university-research-professor-qa) - [UK Research - University Research Professors Program](https://www.research.uky.edu/support/university-research-professors) - [UK News - Think big... then think bigger: Researcher Greg Gerhardt on diving into the unknown](https://uknow.uky.edu/research/think-big-then-think-bigger-researcher-greg-gerhardt-diving-unknown) --- This article was generated by AI (claude-haiku-4-5-20251001) based on source material from University of Kentucky News, enriched with 2 web searches. The original source is available at https://uknow.uky.edu/research/greg-gerhardt-2026-27-university-research-professor-qa.