What would we do without foreign scientists?

This week we announced that Parkinson's UK-funded researchers are paving the way for potential new treatments for dyskinesia, one of the most distressing side effects of Parkinson's medication.

This research at Cardiff University is being led by Professor Riccardo Brambilla, who divides his time between research institutions in Wales and Italy.

It is only by researchers outside of the UK collaborating and sharing their expertise that Parkinson's research can flourish and move forward - and the UK can continue to be a world leader.

There have been fears that skilled migrant workers including talented foreign scientists would be deterred from working in the UK due to proposed immigration caps.

Home Secretary Theresa May this week outlined plans for strictly controlled immigration quotas for those with 'exceptional talent', including scientists and other professionals from outside the European Union. 1,000 individuals will be allowed in.

The exception for scientists is indeed good news. Charities like us, as well as universities and many businesses have lobbied hard in the run up to this announcement to make the case that top class researchers must be exempt from any caps.

How exceptional talent will be defined by the Government remains to be seen. Every Parkinson's researcher entering the UK potentially holds the key to finding a cure for Parkinson's. There should be no cap on creative and enquiring minds.

If you have a passion for research, post your comments below. To find out more about our plan to find a cure for Parkinson's, read our innovative 5-year research strategy.