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

October 2026 (projected)

Up to £30,000 for up to 6 months (or 12 months part time); possible extension with co-funding.

Short-term bridge funding for early career researchers in dementia to cover critical career transition points or funding gaps.

Lead applicant must not hold a tenured position and must be based at a UK institution.

--- ## Description This funding opportunity provides short-term, flexible support for early career researchers working in dementia research who are facing funding gaps or critical career transitions. The aim is to retain talented researchers in the dementia field by enabling them to continue their research, cover salary and research costs, and develop a plan to secure longer-term funding. The scheme is intended to help researchers navigate periods of uncertainty and ensure continuity in their research careers. --- ## Due Dates - October 2026: Grant application deadline (anticipated/projected) *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - Maximum award: Up to £30,000 - Duration: Up to 6 months (or up to 12 months part time) - Extensions may be possible if co-funding is arranged with the host institution. Funding can cover salary, staff, animal costs, consumables, travel, or any combination of these. --- ## Eligibility - **Lead applicant** must be an early career researcher in dementia (defined as not holding a tenured position). - Applicants must have a track record and a clear plan to continue in dementia research. - The lead applicant and main point of contact must be based at a UK academic or research institution. - Applications can include collaborators from outside the UK and co-applicants from small/medium enterprises. - A senior, established investigator at the host institution must be a co-applicant, providing career support and research facilities. - The institution must provide a supporting statement outlining their support (financial or in-kind). - Not eligible: Researchers with tenured positions, extensions to PhD scholarships, existing project grants, or projects delayed by difficulties. - Ethical approvals and/or Home Office licences must be in place if required. For detailed eligibility, see [Eligibility Guidelines (PDF)](https://www.alzheimersresearchuk.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Grant-Scheme-Eligilibity-Document-October-2024.pdf). --- ## Application Process - Applications are made via the [Alzheimer’s Research UK grant application portal](https://a-r.org.uk/). The scheme will only appear when open for applications. - Applicants must justify how the funding will enable career progression and detail a plan for securing further funding. - Applications require a supporting statement from the host institution. - Review process includes triage (if high volume), lay review (for studies involving people), and assessment by the Grant Review Board (GRB). - Assessment is based on scientific excellence, applicant/team skills, and fit to scheme criteria. See [Scoring System and Assessment Criteria (PDF)](https://www.alzheimersresearchuk.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Scoring-and-review-criteria-October-2024-.pdf). - Final funding decisions are made by the ARUK Trustees. --- ## Additional Information - The scheme is highly competitive and awarded based on scientific merit. - Monitoring: ARUK will maintain contact with awardees to track progress and support career development. - All applications are subject to ARUK’s [research policies](https://alzheimersresearchuk.org/research/for-researchers/resources-and-information/research-guidelines-and-policies/), including open access, data sharing, and conflict of interest. --- ## External Links - [Scheme Overview & Application Details](https://www.alzheimersresearchuk.org/grants/early-career-researcher-bridge-fund) - [Research Guidelines and Policies](https://alzheimersresearchuk.org/research/for-researchers/resources-and-information/research-guidelines-and-policies/) - [Early Career Researcher Portal](https://www.alzheimersresearchuk.org/research/for-researchers/ecr/) - [Application FAQs](https://www.alzheimersresearchuk.org/research/for-researchers/grant-schemes/application-faqs/) --- ## Contact Information | Contact Type | Details | |--------------|---------| | Email | research@alzheimersresearchuk.org | | Phone | 0300 111 5555 | | Online Resources | [Contact & Resources Page](https://www.alzheimersresearchuk.org/research/for-researchers/resources-and-information/) | ---

Early Career Researcher Bridge Fund

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