Copy number variations (CNV) are ubiquitously found throughout in the human genome. Their role in monogenic as well as multifactorial disorders as potential disease modifier is more and more stressed (Abecasis et al., 2007). In order to investigate the role of CNV in Parkinson’s disease (PD) and Essential Tremor (ET), two frequent neurological diseases, MARKMD brings together the unique expertises of deCODE genetics (Iceland) and University of Tübingen (Germany). On the one hand, deCODE genetics will contribute and transfer its unique genetic, epidemiologic and biostatistical expertise. The University of Tübingen, on the other hand, will contribute and transfer neuroimaging and clinical expertise in regard to PD and ET. Co-operation and transfer of knowledge is dedicated to the establishment of new tools for the detection of disease associated CNV and clinical markers in patients as well as healthy at-risk groups. Thus, we anticipate to come up with new neuroimaging/clinical and genetic markers relevant to the etiology and progression of PD and ET. Transfer of knowledge will be implemented through secondments, recruitments, and meetings. There will be a structured exchange of principle investigators from both partners at project milestones facilitating the training of newly recruited team members. All recruited project members will have workpackages at either partner which allows to disseminate project outcomes easily.