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

October 2026 (Full application deadline, projected)

Up to £70,000 for up to 2 years; covers salaries, equipment, animal costs, consumables, and travel.

Supports novel and translational dementia research projects to generate preliminary data or explore innovative concepts that could lead to larger studies or collaborations.

--- ## Description The Pilot Projects scheme from Alzheimer's Research UK is designed to fund innovative, early-stage research ideas in the field of dementia. The scheme aims to enable researchers to generate preliminary data or test new concepts that have the potential to lead to major project grants or program applications, either to ARUK or other funders. It also supports small, translational projects that may lead to collaborations with the Alzheimer's Research UK Drug Discovery Alliance. Funding can be used for a broad range of research costs, including salaries (excluding the lead applicant), equipment, animal costs, consumables, and travel. --- ## Due Dates - October 2026 (Full 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 £70,000 - Project duration: Up to 2 years - Eligible costs: Salaries (excluding lead applicant), equipment, animal costs, consumables, travel --- ## Eligibility - **Lead Applicant** must be based at a UK academic or research institution and hold a contract (fixed term or tenure) covering the grant duration. - If the lead applicant does not hold tenure, a co-applicant with tenure must be included. - **Co-applicants** may be from outside the UK and can include researchers from small and medium enterprises. - The scheme is **not** open to companies as lead applicants. - Applications may include collaborators from outside the UK. - Projects requiring ethical approval or Home Office licences are contingent on obtaining these approvals. - The scheme is **not** intended to provide bridging funds for staff between posts/funding, nor is it a mechanism for funding clinical trials. - For projects intending collaboration with the ARUK Drug Discovery Alliance, early discussion and a letter of support from a DDI Chief Scientific Officer are required. For full eligibility criteria, see the [Eligibility Guidelines](https://www.alzheimersresearchuk.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/ARUK-Grant-Scheme-Eligibility-Document-September-2025.pdf). --- ## Application Process - Applications must be submitted via the [ARUK grant application website](https://grants.alzheimersresearchuk.org/). - The scheme appears on the application portal only when open for new applications. - Applicants should review [Application FAQs](https://www.alzheimersresearchuk.org/research/for-researchers/grant-schemes/application-faqs/) and ensure compliance with [Research Guidelines and Policies](https://alzheimersresearchuk.org/research/for-researchers/resources-and-information/research-guidelines-and-policies/). - Review is conducted by independent experts, with assessment based on scientific excellence, applicant/team expertise, and alignment with scheme objectives. - Projects involving human volunteers are also reviewed by individuals with lived experience of dementia. --- ## Additional Information - All grant holders are required to submit regular progress reports. - The scheme is highly competitive and prioritizes research with translational potential for patient benefit. - For projects involving ARUK Drug Discovery Institutes, early discussion and formal support are mandatory. --- ## External Links - [Scheme Details & Application Portal](https://www.alzheimersresearchuk.org/grants/pilot-projects) - [Eligibility Guidelines (PDF)](https://www.alzheimersresearchuk.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/ARUK-Grant-Scheme-Eligibility-Document-September-2025.pdf) - [Research Guidelines & 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/) - [Drug Discovery Alliance](https://www.alzheimersresearchuk.org/research/for-researchers/research-opportunities/drug-discovery/drug-discovery-alliance/) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Details | |------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------| | Email | [research@alzheimersresearchuk.org](mailto:research@alzheimersresearchuk.org) | | Phone | 0300 111 5555 | | Researcher Resources | [ARUK Resources & Information](https://www.alzheimersresearchuk.org/research/for-researchers/resources-and-information/) |

Pilot Projects

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