Dementia Australia: Project Grants

Research needs bright and talented scientists to focus on the growing challenge dementia poses to current and future generations of Australians. The purpose of the Dementia Australia Research Foundation – Project Grant scheme is to build capacity in the field of dementia research by supporting new and early-career researchers.

These Project Grants are designed to help new investigators establish themselves as independent dementia researchers by funding small, time-limited research projects or pilot studies.

Use of Funds

• Grants can fund stand-alone projects or be part of larger research programmes, provided there is clear separation between the funded project and any existing work.

• If applying for pilot study funding, this must be clearly stated and justified in the application.

Topic and Scope

The Project Grants are open to Australian-based researchers across all dementia types and any topic area, including:

• Biomedical (lab-based) research
• Clinical studies
• Epidemiological research
• Psychosocial research
• Knowledge translation projects

Example topics include (but are not limited to):

• Understanding the causes of dementia
• Developing strategies to reduce risk and slow disease progression
• Providing accurate and timely diagnoses
• Testing new treatments for dementia sub-types
• Improving care options and support for people living with dementia, their carers, and families
• Increasing awareness and understanding of the rights, needs and experiences of people with dementia
• Working towards finding a cure for dementia

Project Team

Applicants must demonstrate appropriate research credentials and the strength of their proposal and team.

We encourage applications from multi-disciplinary teams, which may include:

• Scientists and researchers
• Health professionals
• Policy makers
• Industry collaborators

It is highly recommended that people living with dementia, their carers, and families are involved throughout the project lifecycle, from initiation to completion.

Ensure all team members meet the relevant eligibility criteria.

Award Funding

• Each Project Grant is valued at $85,000
• Funding duration: Up to 2 years

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for a Project Grant, applicants must meet the following requirements:

1. Residency and Location Requirements

   • At the time of application, acceptance, and for the duration of the grant, the Chief Investigator (CI) must be:

     • An Australian citizen, or

     • A New Zealand citizen living in Australia, or

     • A permanent resident of Australia, or

     • Hold an appropriate work visa.

   • The CI must be based in Australia for at least 80% of the project duration.

   • Evidence must be provided to the host institution, which is responsible for certifying and ensuring these requirements are met.

   • The Dementia Australia Research Foundation may request further information regarding these conditions.

2. Post-PhD Experience

   • The CI must have no more than six years post-PhD experience at the time of application, adjusted for career interruptions.

   • The PhD (or equivalent: DPhil or M.D. by research) must have been awarded on or after 29 July 2019.

   • The thesis must be passed prior to the project’s proposed start date, i.e., before March 2026.

3. Previous Funding Restrictions

   • The CI must not have been awarded project funding as a lead CI (i.e., CIA) from any of the following:

     • NHMRC (National Health and Medical Research Council)

     • ARC (Australian Research Council)

     • MRFF (Medical Research Future Fund)

     • Or an equivalent international scheme.

   • Applicants who have received a Fellowship through any of these schemes (with or without project funding) are eligible to apply.

4. Research Location and Relevance

   • The research must be conducted primarily in Australia.

   • It must address the topic and scope outlined for this funding round.

5. Ethics Approval

   • If applicable, the research must be approved by an authorised ethics committee.

   • Grant payments may be withheld until ethics approval is obtained.

Visit funding web page
(https://www.dementia.org.au/research/dementia-australia-research-foundation-grants/information-applicants)