[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); extension possible with co-funding.

Short-term funding to support early career dementia researchers facing career gaps and to help them progress toward long-term research funding.

This is a forecasted opportunity; all dates are projected and subject to confirmation.

--- ## Description The Early Career Researcher Bridge Fund is designed to retain and support early career researchers in dementia research, specifically those facing gaps in funding or other career progression challenges. The scheme provides short-term financial support to enable researchers to continue their work and develop a plan for securing longer-term funding, such as fellowships or project grants. Funding can be used for salary, staff, animals, consumables, travel, or a combination of these, with the aim of bridging critical transition points in the applicant's research career. --- ## Due Dates - October 2026 (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 (full-time) or up to 12 months (part-time) - Extensions possible if co-funding is arranged Funding may be used flexibly for salary, staff, animals, consumables, travel, or a combination of these costs. --- ## Eligibility - Lead applicant must be an early career researcher without a tenured position at a UK academic or research institution. - Applicants must have a track record in dementia research and a concrete plan for further career development in the field. - The scheme does **not** cover: - Extensions to PhD scholarships - Existing projects - Research delayed by difficulties - A co-applicant who is a senior established investigator at the host institution is required to provide facilities, career support, and training. - The lead applicant and main contact must be based at a UK academic or research institution, though collaborations with researchers or institutions outside the UK are permitted. - Co-applicants from small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are allowed. - Institutional support (financial or in-kind) must be documented in the application. - Awards are contingent on obtaining any required ethical approvals or Home Office licenses. --- ## Application Process - Applications must be submitted via the [ARUK grant application website](https://a-r.org.uk/), which opens for submissions when the round is active. - An institutional supporting statement is required, outlining the host's support and contribution. - Applications undergo a triage and peer-review process, including lay review for studies involving people. - Scoring is based on scientific excellence, applicant/team expertise, and fit to scheme criteria. Details are available in the [Scoring and Review Criteria](https://www.alzheimersresearchuk.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Scoring-and-review-criteria-October-2024-.pdf). - Final funding decisions are made by the Grant Review Board and ARUK trustees. --- ## Additional Information - All applications are subject to [ARUK research guidelines and policies](https://alzheimersresearchuk.org/research/for-researchers/resources-and-information/research-guidelines-and-policies/). - The Bridge Fund is intended to help researchers secure further funding and progress in their research careers. - The scheme is highly competitive and awarded on scientific merit. --- ## External Links - [Program Page: Early Career Researcher Bridge Fund](https://www.alzheimersresearchuk.org/grants/early-career-researcher-bridge-fund) - [Alzheimer’s Research UK 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/) - [Scoring and Review Criteria (October 2024)](https://www.alzheimersresearchuk.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Scoring-and-review-criteria-October-2024-.pdf) - [Early Career Researcher Framework](https://www.alzheimersresearchuk.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Early-Career-Researcher-Framework-October-2024.pdf) --- ## Contact Information | Contact Type | Details | |-------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | General Inquiries | research@alzheimersresearchuk.org | | Phone | 0300 111 5555 | | Researcher Resources | [ARUK Researcher Resources](https://www.alzheimersresearchuk.org/research/for-researchers/resources-and-information/) | ---

Early Career Researcher Bridge Fund

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