Dementia Research Excellence and People Awards

The Dementia Research Excellence and People Awards recognise the contribution that early- and mid-career researchers make to dementia research and people affected by dementia.

Our Dementia Research Excellence and People Awards are now open for 2023 nominations!

Download our application form and send back to us by 15th May 2023.

Download the application form

What do the awards recognise?

Our research grants programme provides funding and development opportunities for people from biomedical, clinical, and social science backgrounds from the start of a career in research through to establishing themselves as independent investigators.  

The awards are to recognise the contributions and impact of researchers within the dementia research field.

Categories

There are four categories that researchers can be nominated for; two within the Research Excellence arm and two within the People arm. Nominees do not have to be funded by Alzheimer's Society but do need to be based at a university, research institute, or NHS trust within the UK. Please see the cover information on the application form for more detailed criteria.  

Rising Star Award 

This award recognises exceptional PhD students, or early postdoctoral researchers, for remarkable success in their research career thus far.

Eligibility criteria: Researchers who are currently completing their PhD or postdoctoral researchers who have completed a PhD within the last three years. 

Future Dementia Leader Award

This award recognises exceptional postdoctoral and fellowship researchers for their contribution to dementia research; demonstrating the skills and abilities required to become a leader in their field. 

Eligibility criteria: Early career researchers who completed their PhD between three and ten years ago.

The People's Champion Award in honour of Kate McGowan

This award recognises outstanding members of the dementia research community who have gone above and beyond to engage with people affected by dementia, and the general public, to further the aims of dementia research. Kate McGowan was a much loved former member of our Research Network. She supported Alzheimer's Society's research programme for ten years. Kate dedicated her time with us to ensuring that we funded and supported the most impactful research for people affected by dementia.

Eligibility criteria: Any dementia researcher who has made inclusion with people affected by dementia, and the public, a central part of their research.

Research Community Award

This award recognises outstanding members of the dementia research community who have gone above and beyond to support others; someone who has excelled in creating a supportive and encouraging academic environment.

Eligibility criteria: Any dementia researcher, clinician, or institutional staff member who has contributed to the development of a supportive and inclusive academic environment that enables colleagues, students, and researchers to thrive. 

Our 2019 winners

We last held the awards in 2019. Find out who won our Dementia Research Leaders 'Rising star' and 'Outstanding contribution' awards.  

Meet our winners

Process for nominations

The deadline for submission of nominations is Monday 15th May by 17:00(GMT) and winners (one per category) will be announced in June 2023.

Completed application forms must be emailed to [email protected] 

All nominations must be made using the supplied form and contain a complete record of the merits and achievements, related to the award category, of the nominee. Any additional supporting letters must be submitted with the application form.

Any organisation, association, or individual may submit nominations.

For a nomination to be considered, all sections of the form relevant to the nominee must be completed. Incomplete nominations will be returned. 

Judging

A panel of leading dementia researchers, experts by experience (from the Research Network Volunteers), and Alzheimer's Society research team members will undertake the judging. Winning nominees will be notified of their success by the panel.

Progress towards a successful research career and impact in the nominee's dementia research field is the primary consideration, demonstrated within the evidence presented. Please see the cover information on the application form for more detailed criteria.

The judging panel will consider multiple aspects, including but not limited to the nominee's:

  • Achievements and originality in research
  • Commitment to Patient and Public Involvement and public engagement
  • Commitment to mentoring or supporting the development of others
  • Potential to improve the lives of people affected by dementia in the future
  • (Applications do not have to address all elements suggested) 

Decisions will be made through discussion of the evidence presented within a nomination, taking into account the stage of the career that nominees are at and the differences between research fields.

Awards presentation

The awards will be presented at Alzheimer's Society's Early Career Researcher Retreat 2023: 26th-27th June at The Crowne Plaza, Newcastle-upon-Tyne.

The award ceremony will form part of the event's closing session. Winners of the two Research Excellence Awards may have the opportunity to present their research at the event.

Prizes

All winning nominees will receive a commemorative plaque, certificate, and £1000 towards professional development activities (e.g., attendance at relevant conferences, undertaking professional training courses, research skill development through visiting other institutions, or relevant public outreach work).

Any queries?

If you have any questions about the awards or the eligibility criteria , please email us at [email protected] 

Nominate someone for the Research Excellence and People Awards

Complete our application form and send back to us by 15th May 2023.

Download the application form
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