[Alzheimer's Research UK](https://www.alzheimersresearchuk.org/research)

October 15, 2026

Up to £350,000 per fellowship; duration up to 4 years full-time (or up to 6 years part-time).

Supports UK-based clinicians without a PhD to undertake research degrees in dementia, building skills for future leadership in the field.

Optional clinical trial placements (up to £15,000) available; only Home tuition fees covered for PhD candidates.

--- ## Description The Doctoral Clinical Fellowships from Alzheimer's Research UK are designed to support clinically qualified healthcare professionals in the UK who do not yet hold a PhD but wish to build a research career in dementia. The fellowship aims to provide the necessary experience, skills, and track record for fellows to progress to advanced research roles and leadership positions in dementia research. Projects can span basic, translational, or clinical research, provided they align with Alzheimer's Research UK’s strategic focus on treatment, diagnosis, and prevention of dementia. An optional clinical trial placement, in partnership with the UK Dementia Trials Network, is available for fellows seeking hands-on experience in clinical trials, with additional funding up to £15,000 for this component. The scheme encourages applications from those returning to research after a break and from a broad range of clinical backgrounds including neurology, psychiatry, nursing, and allied health. --- ## Due Dates - October 15, 2026: Full application / grant submission deadline for Doctoral Clinical Fellowships --- ## Funding Amount - Maximum award: Up to £350,000 per fellowship. - Duration: Up to 4 years full-time or up to 6 years part-time. - Covers: Applicant’s salary (Speciality Registrar level or equivalent), justified research, training and development costs, travel and subsistence (for conferences/meetings), and patient/public involvement. - Optional clinical trial placement: Additional flexible funding up to £15,000. --- ## Eligibility - Applicants must be clinically qualified and active in the UK (e.g., neurologists, psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, nurses, allied health professionals). - Must not hold a PhD at the time of application. - Evidence of prior research experience (such as publications or conference presentations) and a clear upward career trajectory are required. - Applicants must demonstrate a strong interest in dementia research and commitment to developing a research skillset. - Host institution must be UK-based, but collaborations outside the UK are permitted. - Applicants must have secured a supervisor at their host institution. - Only Home tuition fees are covered for PhD candidates; international tuition fee differences must be covered from other sources. - The scheme is not for those who have already started their doctoral studies or are seeking to fill funding gaps. --- ## Application Process - Applications are submitted via the [Alzheimer's Research UK grant application website](https://grants.alzheimersresearchuk.org/). - The scheme opens in July 2026, with the application deadline on October 15, 2026. - Required materials include a research proposal, CV, supervisor details, costings, and supporting letters from the host institution and any collaborators. - Review process includes triage by expert panel, lived experience review, rebuttal opportunity, and an interview (with a 5-minute presentation). - Grants are awarded based on scientific merit, alignment with ARUK strategy, and the research environment. - Applicants are encouraged to contact the ARUK Clinical Research Team with eligibility or project suitability questions. --- ## Additional Information - Clinical trial placements are optional and can be integrated into the fellowship in various formats. - Regular progress reporting is required. - All applications are subject to ARUK’s [research guidelines and policies](https://alzheimersresearchuk.org/research/for-researchers/resources-and-information/research-guidelines-and-policies/). - Success rate: In the past three years, 4 out of 19 applications were funded. --- ## External Links - [Fellowship Details & Application Portal](https://www.alzheimersresearchuk.org/grants/clinical-research-fellowship) - [Eligibility Guidelines (PDF)](https://www.alzheimersresearchuk.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/ARUK-Grant-Scheme-Eligibility-Document-December-2020.pdf) - [Early Career Researcher Framework](https://www.alzheimersresearchuk.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Early-Career-Researcher-Framework-October-2024.pdf) - [Research Guidelines and Policies](https://alzheimersresearchuk.org/research/for-researchers/resources-and-information/research-guidelines-and-policies/) - [Application FAQs](https://www.alzheimersresearchuk.org/research/for-researchers/grant-schemes/application-faqs/) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Details | |---------|---------| | Email | research@alzheimersresearchuk.org | | Phone | 0300 111 5555 | | Web | [ARUK Researcher Resources](https://www.alzheimersresearchuk.org/research/for-researchers/resources-and-information/) |

Doctoral Clinical Fellowships

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