Dr. Anthony Schapira is a preeminent authority in neurodegenerative disorders and currently serves as Head of the Department of Clinical and Movement Neurosciences at the UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology. He holds the distinguished position of Professor of Neurology and Clinical Neurosciences with clinical appointments at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery and the Royal Free Hospital in London. Following extensive training in clinical and laboratory sciences in London, Dr. Schapira established himself as a leading figure in neurology, culminating in his appointment as Chairman of the University Department of Clinical Neurosciences in 1990. His influence extends beyond academic medicine as he serves on the Board of Oxford University Hospitals and was appointed to the NHS Reconfiguration Board in 2019, demonstrating his significant role in shaping national healthcare policy and neurological services.
Dr. Schapira's pioneering research has fundamentally transformed our understanding of Parkinson's disease through the identification of the mitochondrial Complex I defect and the discovery of glucocerebrosidase (GBA) enzyme deficiency in Parkinson's brain tissue. His extensive scholarly output comprises over 450 peer-reviewed publications including more than 35 in Nature or Lancet series journals, with an impressive H-index of 111 according to Web of Science and recognition as one of the World's Most Highly Cited Researchers since 2017. His work on the molecular mechanisms underlying Parkinson's disease has established critical pathways for understanding disease pathogenesis and identifying potential therapeutic targets. Dr. Schapira leads a substantial translational research program focused on glucocerebrosidase in Parkinson's disease, successfully bridging fundamental molecular discoveries with clinical applications that could revolutionize treatment approaches for this debilitating condition.
Beyond his research contributions, Dr. Schapira has profoundly influenced the global neuroscience community through his editorial leadership as Editor-in-Chief of the European Journal of Neurology from 2006 to 2019 and ongoing service on multiple prestigious journal editorial boards. His exceptional scientific achievements have been recognized with numerous honors including the Harveian Medal, the Royal College of Physicians Clinical Science Prize, and the European Prize for Clinical Science. Currently, Dr. Schapira is spearheading innovative research examining the interplay between genes and gut bacteria in Parkinson's disease, leading Michael J. Fox Foundation-funded projects that investigate novel intestinal imaging techniques for early disease identification and assessment of therapeutic responses. His unwavering commitment to advancing both fundamental understanding and clinical translation continues to position him at the vanguard of efforts to develop effective interventions for Parkinson's disease and related movement disorders.
