Funder: Alzheimer's Research UK
Due Dates: July 2026 (Applications open) | October 28, 2026 (Application deadline) | Spring 2027 (Funding outcome)
Funding Amounts: Up to £100,000 for a maximum of 12 months
Summary: Supports bold, exploratory dementia research that tests novel hypotheses, generates preliminary data and builds multidisciplinary collaborations.
Key Information: Lead Applicants must be based at a UK university, hospital or research institution and apply with at least one dementia researcher.
Description
Alzheimer’s Research UK’s Pilot Award supports early-stage, high-risk, high-reward ideas with the potential to open new directions in dementia research. Researchers at all career stages can explore innovative concepts without extensive preliminary data, although existing data will be considered. The resulting evidence and collaborations are intended to provide a foundation for subsequent project and programme funding.
The scheme particularly welcomes Early Career Researchers seeking a first independent award alongside established mentorship, and new multidisciplinary collaborations. It also encourages researchers entering dementia research from related disciplines, including data science, chemistry, mathematics, immunology, engineering, physics and statistics. Proposals should offer genuinely novel approaches with the potential to transform the field and benefit people affected by dementia.
