Pilot Award
Pilot Award supports dementia researchers, new entrants and early career researchers to test novel ideas, gather initial data and build collaborations that could open new directions in dementia research.
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Funder: Alzheimer's Research UK
Due Dates: October 28, 2026 (application deadline)
Funding Amounts: Up to £100,000 for up to 12 months
Summary: Supports exploratory dementia research that tests novel ideas, generates early data and builds collaborations.
Key Information: Lead Applicants must be based at a UK university, hospital or research institution.
Description
Alzheimer’s Research UK’s Pilot Award supports early-stage, high-risk, high-reward ideas that could open new directions in dementia research and ultimately benefit people affected by dementia. It gives researchers at any career stage up to 12 months to test highly novel hypotheses and generate initial data without needing extensive preliminary results. Successful work may provide a foundation for later project or programme funding.
The scheme particularly welcomes new multidisciplinary collaborations and researchers entering dementia research from related fields, including data science, chemistry and mathematics. It can also support an Early Career Researcher’s first independent award alongside an established Joint Lead Applicant who provides mentorship.
