Working in partnership

Alzheimer's Society has an important remit, beyond acting as a funder of dementia research, to promote and endorse dementia research in the UK and elsewhere. In this context we welcome invitations from researchers to undertake research projects in partnership with the Alzheimer's Society or to involve the Alzheimer's Society in research oriented events, in evaluation or in any other public engagement with science.

As a partner, the Alzheimer's Society is able to draw upon the advice and experience of its Quality Research in Dementia (QRD) consumer panel of 150 carers and former carers, and the expertise of the staff team (director of research, head of research, scientific liaison officer and QRD liaison officer).

Specifically, the Consumer Advisory Network and/or QRD staff can:

• Provide a consumer review of research proposals, with standardised feedback
• Help with protocol and application development
• Contribute to project monitoring and governance
• Assist with dissemination and public involvement in science.

While we welcome invitations for partnership, we do ask that researchers requesting partnership complete the 'partnership invitation' form to enable the Consumer Advisory Network to ensure that any potential partnership is consistent with the goals of the Alzheimer's Society. In addition, the costs of maintaining the Consumer Advisory Network are not insubstantial. Depending upon the level of partnership requested in each specific proposal, and the time commitment required from Consumer Advisory Network members or QRD staff, the Alzheimer's Society may require that any research proposal submitted for funding to another organisation with the Alzheimer's Society as a partner requests appropriate reimbursement for the involvement of Consumer Advisory Network members.

Given the number of invitations that we receive, research staff will reply within one month to proposals within one month. A minimum of three months is required to complete the consultation process with the Consumer Advisory Network.