Alzheimer's Research UK

Alzheimer's Research UK, established in 1992 as the Alzheimer's Research Trust, is the UK's leading dementia research charity, founded by pioneers motivated by chronic underinvestment in the field. Its core mission is to defeat dementia through cutting-edge research, envisioning a world free from its fear, harm, and heartbreak. Rooted in scientific excellence, collaboration, public engagement, and policy advocacy, it accelerates progress in treatments, diagnosis, and prevention, guiding priorities by the needs of those affected. Distinctively, it leads a nationwide Research Network of over 2,000 scientists across 15 UK centres, championing open science and high-profile awareness campaigns.

The charity funds biomedical and translational research into all dementias—including Alzheimer’s, vascular, Lewy body, frontotemporal, and rarer forms—prioritising disease mechanisms, novel therapeutics, early diagnostics, biomarkers, clinical trials, and risk reduction. Key programmes include Major Project Grants, Pilot Projects, Doctoral Clinical Fellowships for early-career researchers, and the Inspire Fund for public engagement seed projects. Beneficiaries are people with dementia, at-risk individuals, carers, and the health sector, supporting academia-industry partnerships but not direct people/communities aid.

Eligible applicants are UK-based academic institutions and research organisations (or community groups for Inspire Fund), with no income limits or religious restrictions; international collaborators welcome but primary applicants must be UK-hosted. Typical grants range £5,000–£750,000 (e.g., up to £750k/5 years for majors, £70k/2 years for pilots). Unsolicited applications via online portal during fixed open calls (next: Inspire Fund, 8 September 2025; others October-November 2025), with peer/lay review and results in 5–6 months. Exclusions: no core costs, unrestricted funding, or non-research activities; stands out for rigorous, impact-driven peer review and transformative dementia focus.