Join the INTERDEM Academy

In 1999, a multi-professional group of researchers from Europe (UK, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands and the Republic of Ireland) who had contributed to the international literature in early dementia, gathered at the University of Hull, UK, co- funded by the European Commission (file no: SOC97 201452 05F03).

The 1999 meeting included others from the UK, Spain, and The Netherlands who had also received co-funded support for related research from the European Commission.

Findings of pan-European psychosocial research in early dementia were pooled and INTERDEM, a network of research-practitioners / clinicians was thus established, with its first meeting hosted by INTRAS in Zamora, Spain in 2000. The purpose of this clinical academic network was to promote research on early recognition and psychosocial intervention in dementia, to build capacity and to develop a better understanding of the experience of people with dementia and their families, throughout Europe.

INTERDEM’s Mission is:

1. To develop pan-European research on Early, Timely and Quality Psychosocial Interventions in Dementia.
2. To actively disseminate this and enhance practice, policy and the quality of life of people with dementia and their supporters, across Europe.
3. To place people with dementia and their supporters at the centre of European research and practice, by actively involving them in developing these activities.

INTERDEM is now a network of researchers exploring psychosocial interventions for dementia, who develop and implement  studies relevant to the INTERDEM vision and objectives. Membership is free; but applicants who lead funded projects are asked to consider including a contribution to INTERDEM administration and the website when they are using the Interdem network.

INTERDEM Membership is open to those who:

• have completed a PhD or equivalent in dementia care or other relevant field
• continuously and actively contribute to the dementia research field for at least 3 years after PhD evident from publications, grants, partnerships
• support all elements of the INTERDEM mission
• make a commitment to actively support or participate in actions and activities undertaken by the network as a whole
• have a regular contributionto INTERDEM meetings, workshops and projects
• acknowledge the INTERDEM network on relevant public relations materials
• are willing to have their names published on the INTERDEM website and their details
• are willing to present themselves as new member at the INTERDEM annual meeting

INTERDEM is now inviting new members. Participants need to have:

• publications in non pharmacological /non bio-medical approaches to dementia
• a PhD or equivalent preferably in dementia care or a recommendation by an internationally renowned dementia expert in the field.

All applications will be reviewed by the Board. New members are invited to present their work and that of their group (including the head of their Centre if appropriate) at our Annual Interdem meeting alongside Alzheimers Europe or on another meeting.

INTERDEM Academy

The Academy is a European training network for early-career dementia researchers. INTERDEM Academy was established in 2014. The aim of INTERDEM Academy is to develop the careers and to build capacity of early-career researchers working on psychosocial interventions under supervision of INTERDEM seniors. INTERDEM Academy want to support the early stage researchers in their pathway to senior posts in the field.

To achieve this, INTERDEM Academy organizes expert workshops and masterclasses to develop ideas and methodological expertise. The INTERDEM Academy offers biannual travel fellowships for PhD students and postdoc researchers allowing them to spend 3-6 months in another INTERDEM research center. The goal is the exchange of knowledge and experience between the INTERDEM centres. INTERDEM Academy has grown in recent years to around 200 members from 20+ different countries.

INTERDEM Academy and its activities are coordinated by Alzheimer Center Limburg/Maastricht University, the Netherlands.

The INTERDEM academy offers the opportunity to share expertise, create awareness for Academy talent and stimulate collaboration.

Executive office INTERDEM Academy: interdem-masterclass@maastrichtuniversity.nl

About INTERDEM Academy