Applications are now open for the Race Against Dementia Ignition Fund. This fast-track funding opportunity supports UK-based researchers with innovative projects that build on unexpected findings and open new lines of enquiry in dementia research.
We are looking for early- to mid-career researchers (and selected senior applicants) with strong, novel ideas that fall outside the scope of traditional funding.
Grants of up to £100,000 are available for projects lasting up to 24 months, with support for research costs, staffing or equipment.
The application process is simple and two-stage, designed to move promising ideas quickly from submission to interview and decision.
SCOPE
- The Fund supports projects across basic science, translational and clinical research working to improve dementia prevention, diagnosis, treatment and understanding of disease mechanisms.
- Applications must demonstrate how the projects will extend an applicant’s current work by enabling a new or different idea that existing funding would not support.
- Applications should explain how the proposed idea arose from an unexpected finding in the applicant’s work.
ELIGIBILITY
- Flexible grants of up to £100,000 are available for projects lasting up to 24 months.
- Funding can be used for equipment, staffing or research costs.
- Applications are accepted from early- to mid-career researchers, although applications from more senior researchers will also be considered.
- This scheme is open to UK-based researchers.
- Preliminary data is not required; strong, novel ideas are particularly welcome.
- Institutions may submit multiple applications, but each applicant may submit only one.
- Please note Race Against Dementia does not pay institutional overheads on research grants.
Timeline
- Submissions open: 6th July 2026
- Submissions deadline: 11th September 2026
- Interviews: 12th November 2026
- Notification: December 2026
HOW TO APPLY
The two-stage application process is designed to be simple and rapid. To apply please fill in the Application Form and submit it to ignitionfund@raceagainstdementia.com.
After peer-review of the applications, top applicants will then be invited to an interview, after which panel members will make a recommendation for funding.
What is in the application form?
- Brief background justifying the proposed project
- Aims of the project
- Overview of the proposed project
- Why this is an unexpected element of research?
- How will this project create new and exciting findings from your current work
- Budget/costings
- References
Part 2: Lay summary
- This part of the application will be assessed by a panel of people living with dementia or caring for someone with dementia to assess the impact of the proposed project.
The review panel will award grants on scientific merit and on the quality of the application and applicants. The Grant Panel Members will review all applications in advance of a panel meeting and then discuss and score each before inviting applicants to attend an interview.
What is the interview process?
At the interview applicants will be given the chance to respond to questions or concerns about their application from a panel of reviewers. After the interviews the panel will make recommendations for funding.
These recommendations will be presented to the Race Against Dementia trustees for final approval.
What is meant by an ‘unexpected finding’?
Evidence of a new lead, a surprising finding or an idea that has emerged from your current research that is unexpected or conflicts with existing research. It must be from your own work.
What does it mean by ‘extending your current work’?
This grant is designed to help you run a new line of inquiry in parallel with existing work. What is your current work and how would this grant enable you to pursue a novel idea that existing funding wouldn’t support?
What type of research does the Ignition Fund support?
The Ignition Fund does not focus on one specific type of dementia research. The Fund supports projects across the full research spectrum, including basic, translational and clinical studies. While research into dementia care is a critical part of the wider research landscape, the Fund is specifically focused on supporting research that improves our understanding of dementia and drives progress towards better diagnosis, prevention and treatment.
Is the use of an existing dataset/secondary data analysis eligible?
Yes. Projects using existing datasets or secondary data analysis are eligible, provided they align with the aims of the Ignition Fund and are being used to pursue a novel opportunity or unexpected finding arising from the applicant’s current research.
Is it mandatory for applicants to have published data to apply?
You do not need to have published preliminary data, however you must be able to explain how the project is based on a finding emerging from your existing work, and how this grant would enable you to rapidly pursue and develop that finding.
Can the funding be used for indirect costs?
No, the Ignition Fund does not cover the following: central administration, travel to conferences, utilities, building costs, lab space or tenured researchers whose salaries are already fully covered by the University.
At what stage in my career can I apply for this grant?
Applications are accepted from early- to mid-career researchers, although applications from more senior researchers will also be considered. Applicants must have a PhD, however we accept applications from PhD students provided that their PhD is awarded by the time the proposed project begins.
Does the applicant need to have a level of seniority?
No, an early career researcher can be the lead applicant and early career researchers are encouraged to apply.
Can more than one researcher apply as the main applicant?
Co-applicants are permitted, provided that they fit the eligibility criteria.
Where can the Ignition Fund be awarded?
The awardee must be at a UK-based institution.
Do you provide funding for private companies?
No, the Ignition Fund focuses on Universities and recognised research institutions.
When will I receive an update on my application?
All applicants will be contacted regarding the outcome, with interview invitations sent as early as possible.
Does the Ignition Fund grant have to be used immediately?
Projects funded through the Ignition Fund should commence within twelve months of the award date.
If successful, when will the funding be available?
Funds can become available as soon as a gift agreement with terms and conditions is in place with the institution.
How are awarded grants received?
Funding is sent directly to and managed by the host institution. The Institution is responsible for financial oversight and both the institution and researcher may be asked to contribute to reporting.
Application Form
Submit it to ignitionfund@raceagainstdementia.com.
Visit funding web page
(https://www.raceagainstdementia.com/what-we-do/ignition-fund)
