Our Dementia Research Leaders programme

Challenges facing early career researchers

The number of researchers, clinicians and allied health professionals working in dementia research is increasing, but dementia still lags behind other health conditions. This inevitably slows the progress we urgently need in dementia research.

The early stages of a research career are particularly challenging. Being reliant on grants to cover both salaries and research costs means that early career researchers (ECRs) are often continually applying for funding. This is time-consuming, unpredictable and often involves moving between universities. Shorter postdoctoral grants also mean researchers struggle to build programmes and meet requirements for tenure track positions.

This presents a huge risk of losing talented researchers at a pivotal stage in their careers.

At Alzheimer’s Society, we have an outstanding record of investing in and supporting early career researchers through our research funding.

We know that keeping up momentum is important for progress towards breakthroughs. So we're committed to supporting ECRs - including our Dementia Research Leaders - to thrive in dementia research and inspire new generations of talented researchers to join this field.

Investment in early career researchers is investment in the future. Without researchers we cannot grasp the life-changing breakthroughs we need to end the devastation of dementia.

Professor Fiona Carragher, Chief Policy and Research Officer at Alzheimer’s Society

What it takes to become a Dementia Research Leader

Alzheimer’s Society’s Dementia Research Leaders (DRLs) are experienced dementia researchers who have built on several successful years of research and are ready to begin fully independent careers. 

These researchers have the ambition and skill to conduct high-quality and innovative research, establish a positive research culture, and drive real change for people affected by dementia. Their proven track record of delivering impactful work, combined with broad expertise across multiple disciplines, enables them to engage in new and collaborative projects.

As ambassadors for Alzheimer’s Society, they work with policymakers, funders and the public to raise the profile of dementia research.

They are also key stakeholders in our early career researcher community and are consulted on the design and delivery of activities such as the Early Career Researcher Retreat. This ensures that our broader activities meet the evolving needs of emerging researchers.

Why is this fellowship unique?

The Alzheimer’s Society Dementia Research Leader Fellowship offers:

• A five-year award of up to £550,000 designed to support researchers as they establish independent dementia research programmes.
• A competitive salary alongside research expenses and costs for career development training and travel.
• Optional PhD studentship funding, to embed doctoral supervision within the programme. 

This fellowship gives researchers the sustained funding length they need to strengthen applications for tenure-track positions, providing stable funding for five years. It removes the uncertainty of short-term grants, provides competitive salaries and opportunities for both research and professional development, which enables progression and sustains the momentum of impactful research.

Alzheimer’s Society provides DRLs with a wide range of engagement and career development opportunities. They are regularly featured in internal and external publications and receive dedicated funding to attend national and international conferences such as the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference.