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

October 2026 (Full application deadline, projected)

Up to £500,000 over five years for direct costs (salary, secondment, running costs)

Fellowship for early-career researchers to drive innovative solutions in dementia research, with bespoke training and mentorship.

Applicants must have no more than six years post-PhD research experience; UK host institution required.

--- ## Description The Race Against Dementia Fellowship, delivered by Alzheimer's Research UK in partnership with Race Against Dementia, is designed to accelerate the careers of outstanding early-career scientists working on the major challenges in dementia research. The fellowship supports the development of innovative approaches for the understanding, diagnosis, treatment, or risk reduction of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. Fellows benefit from a bespoke training programme inspired by Formula 1’s pace and precision, including mentorship from leading academic, industry, and commercial professionals, and are encouraged to undertake secondments to foster cross-institutional and interdisciplinary collaboration. The scheme aims to equip researchers with skills and networks to become future leaders in dementia research. --- ## 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 - Up to £500,000 in direct costs per award, over five years. - Funding covers salary, secondment costs (including international secondments), and running costs. - Permitted secondment costs include visa costs, health insurance, justified living costs (including salary adjustment), and travel expenses for meetings with supervisors and/or mentors. - The host institution administers payments, including those to visiting institutions for secondments. --- ## Eligibility - **Applicant:** - No more than six years post-PhD research experience at the time of applying (adjusted for part-time work and career breaks). - Applicants who have not yet been awarded their PhD may apply but must provide proof of award before the final review board meeting. - Cannot apply for other Alzheimer's Research UK Fellowship schemes in the same round. - Previous applicants may re-apply with a revised application addressing prior feedback. - **Institution & Supervisor:** - Fellowship must be based at a UK academic or not-for-profit research institution. - A supervisor at the host institution is required (must hold a contract for the project duration; if not tenured, a tenured co-supervisor is required). - Secondments (up to 24 months, including international) are strongly encouraged. Applications must include a co-supervisor and letter of support from the visiting institution for planned secondments. --- ## Application Process - Applications are submitted via [Alzheimer’s Research UK’s grants portal](https://grants.alzheimersresearchuk.org/). - The review process includes: - Triage by expert panel members. - External peer review and lived experience review (for studies involving human volunteers). - Rebuttal opportunity (including a live interview presentation). - Final interview with the Grant Review Board and stakeholders. - Awards are made on scientific merit, quality of the application and applicant, and strength of the research environment. - Annual progress reporting and participation in the Race Against Dementia Summit and Alzheimer’s Research UK Conferences are required. --- ## Additional Information - The fellowship provides a comprehensive leadership and career development scheme, including annual summits, forums, and mentorship. - Fellows must be fully committed to the research proposed, but the scheme allows for relevant academic commitments (e.g., teaching, clinical sessions) with prior approval. - The scheme is flexible regarding secondments; fellows may propose new secondment opportunities after the award starts, subject to approval. - All applications are subject to [Alzheimer’s Research UK research guidelines and policies](https://alzheimersresearchuk.org/research/for-researchers/resources-and-information/research-guidelines-and-policies/). --- ## External Links - [Race Against Dementia Fellowship program page](https://www.alzheimersresearchuk.org/grants/race-dementia-fellowship) - [Application portal](https://grants.alzheimersresearchuk.org/) - [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/) - [Early Career Researcher Framework](https://www.alzheimersresearchuk.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Early-Career-Researcher-Framework-October-2024.pdf) - [Scoring and review criteria](https://www.alzheimersresearchuk.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Scoring-and-review-criteria-October-2024-.pdf) --- ## Contact Information | Purpose | Contact | |-----------------------|-------------------------------------------| | General Enquiries | research@alzheimersresearchuk.org | | Phone | 0300 111 5555 | | Resources & Info | [Researcher Resources](https://www.alzheimersresearchuk.org/research/for-researchers/resources-and-information/) | ---

Race Against Dementia Fellowship

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