I am currently a science teacher in a secondary school teaching Biology as a specialism including at A Level. I studied Physiotherapy at university and worked as a physiotherapist upon graduating for a number of years. I have been personally affected through the death of my Nan by dementia and the horrible effects it can have on an individual and the knock on effects on the whole family. I therefore am really interested in exploring a career into researching causes and treatments (rather than just management of) dementia but do not know where to start or if it possible given my past experiences and qualifications. I have a young family so cannot commit to something unpaid if it is a significant amount of hours as I would need income but I am prepared to study and volunteer if needed.
Great question. My suggestion would be to look for research assistant positions at universities as well as making contact with people doing research that they are interested in to see what opportunities they may have. I’m not sure where in the country they are based but am sure there are opportunities out there
Transitioning into dementia research from your background in physiotherapy and teaching biology is absolutely possible, and your personal motivation could be a strong asset in this field.
Here are some steps and considerations to help guide you:
- Educational Pathways: Since your background is in physiotherapy and biology, you might consider a postgraduate degree related to neuroscience, gerontology, or a specific dementia research programme. Investigate part-time Master’s or PhD programmes that could allow you to study while maintaining an income. Many universities offer flexible learning options for working professionals.
- Funding and Scholarships: Look for funding opportunities that could support your studies. Many research projects require part-time Research Assistants, and there are scholarships and grants available specifically for mature students or those entering research from a different profession. Organisations such as the Alzheimer’s Society and the NIHR in the UK often fund research posts that also cover tuition fees and provide a salary. Both those organisations have previously offered funding for people without specific reserch backgrounds to apply for small grants to start small research projects, additionally the NIHR Applied Research Collaborations and Dementia + Networks (https://spindementianet.org/ & https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/equadem) have been offering Research Internships for newcomers to the field (here is one example which expires on the 31st January 2025)
- Volunteering and Part-Time Roles: Gaining experience in dementia research could begin with volunteering in relevant labs or organisations. This could be a way to build your network and gain valuable insights into current research priorities and methodologies. Part-time roles could also be an option in university research departments or private research institutes.
- Networking: Connect with professionals in the field. You might attend conferences, seminars, or online webinars focused on dementia research – you will find lots of events, most of which are free on the Dementia Researcher website. Engaging with professionals can provide mentorship opportunities and deeper insights into the field.
- Certifications and Courses: Consider taking short courses or certifications in relevant areas (e.g., clinical research, neuroscience, or statistics). These can enhance your CV and provide essential skills for research roles.
- Career Advice / Mentor: Speak with a career advisor who specialises in science and medical careers, they can offer personalised advice based on your qualifications and career aspirations. You may also want to find someone with your same background, but with a career in research who could act as a mentor, the Dementia Researcher Community has a specific service to support this.
- Research Groups and Labs: Identify research groups whose focus aligns with your interests in the causes and treatments of dementia. Contacting lead researchers directly to express your interest and discuss potential opportunities might lead to possible positions or collaborations, you can also consider joining ISTAART.
Starting a new career in research, especially in a field as impactful as dementia research, is a commendable pursuit. Balancing this transition with a young family will require careful planning, but many have successfully navigated this path with the right support and opportunities.
I agree with the advise Viki and Adam have provided. It would be useful to have a look at what research is being done in the UK in the area of prevention (I assume they are UK based on their reference to A levels!). If there is a recent piece of work that is of interest, they can make contact with the author and express interest in remote research opportunities. It may be that they can provide initial work experience or they may have research assistant positions available.
The most important thing is to network. If they can attend some webinars or in-person research events in this space it can be a great way to connect with people. It is all about networking!
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