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

October 2026

Up to £750,000 per project; project duration up to 5 years; flexible based on need.

Supports ambitious, large-scale research projects on dementia treatment, diagnosis, or prevention, including standalone studies and sub-studies.

--- ## Description The Major Projects grant from Alzheimer's Research UK funds intermediate to large-scale research projects that align with the charity’s strategy, focusing on the treatment, diagnosis, and prevention of dementia. The scheme encourages bold, high-impact ideas and welcomes both standalone projects and “added value” sub-studies within existing or planned clinical trials, such as biomarker validation or digital outcome measures. Proposals should be driven by scientific opportunity and are expected to accelerate progress towards a cure for dementia. The scheme is open to clinical and translational research, as well as preclinical studies with translational potential. Funding is flexible in both cost and duration, tailored to the needs of the research question and strength of preliminary data. --- ## Due Dates - October 2026 (anticipated/projected application deadline) *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - Maximum award: Up to £750,000 per project - Minimum award: £50,000 - Project duration: Up to 5 years - Funding is flexible and must be fully justified within the application. - Eligible costs include salaries (postdoctoral researchers, technical staff), experimental and running expenses, equipment, and collaborative travel/networking. --- ## Eligibility - **Lead Applicant:** Must be based at a UK academic or research institution (university, hospital department, or Research Council-funded institute). - **Contract Requirement:** Lead Applicant must hold a contract (fixed-term or tenure) covering the full duration of the grant. If not tenured, a co-applicant with tenure must be included. - **Co-applicants/Collaborators:** Can include UK or international researchers, and industry partners. - **Restrictions:** Companies cannot be Lead Applicants (but may be co-applicants). Applicants with significant ongoing ARUK awards (12+ months remaining) are generally ineligible. - **Research Scope:** Biomedical research into the treatment, diagnosis, and prevention of dementia. Projects must have translational potential; care/service delivery research is not eligible. - **Ethics:** Awards are contingent on obtaining all necessary ethical approvals and/or Home Office licenses. --- ## Application Process - Applications must be submitted via the [Alzheimer’s Research UK grants portal](https://grants.alzheimersresearchuk.org/). - The scheme only appears on the portal when open for applications. - The review process includes: - Initial triage by expert panel members - External peer review - Applicant rebuttal opportunity - Lived Experience Review for projects involving human participants - In-depth discussion at the Grant Review Board meeting - Final funding decision based on scientific merit and alignment with ARUK’s remit - Applicants are required to provide a Plain English summary for review by volunteers with lived experience. - All awarded projects are subject to regular progress reporting and compliance with ARUK policies. --- ## Additional Information - Funding cannot be used for indirect costs. - For translational research (e.g., drug discovery), partnership with the [Drug Discovery Alliance](https://alzheimersresearchuk.org/research/for-researchers/research-opportunities/drug-discovery/) is encouraged. - All applications must comply with [ARUK research guidelines and policies](https://alzheimersresearchuk.org/research/for-researchers/resources-and-information/research-guidelines-and-policies/). - Scoring and review criteria are detailed in the [reviewer guidance](https://www.alzheimersresearchuk.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Scoring-and-review-criteria-October-2024-.pdf). --- ## External Links - [Scheme details and application portal](https://www.alzheimersresearchuk.org/grants/major-project) - [General eligibility guidelines (PDF)](https://www.alzheimersresearchuk.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/ARUK-Grant-Scheme-Eligibility-Document-September-2025.pdf) - [Application FAQs](https://www.alzheimersresearchuk.org/research/for-researchers/grant-schemes/application-faqs/) - [Research guidelines and policies](https://alzheimersresearchuk.org/research/for-researchers/resources-and-information/research-guidelines-and-policies/) - [Scoring and review criteria (PDF)](https://www.alzheimersresearchuk.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Scoring-and-review-criteria-October-2024-.pdf) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Details | |------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------| | Email | research@alzheimersresearchuk.org | | Phone | 0300 111 5555 (UK) | | General Info | [Contact resources](https://www.alzheimersresearchuk.org/research/for-researchers/resources-and-information/) |

Major Projects

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