Alzheimer’s Research UK Launches Early Career Researcher Bridge Fund

Funding is available to enable the retention of early career researchers in dementia research or to address issues in their career path.

Alzheimer’s Research UK is a UK charity dedicated to supporting dementia research. Its specialism is funding world-class research to find preventions, treatments and a cure for dementia.

Alzheimer’s Research UK has launched the Early Career Researcher Bridge Fund to help retain early career researchers working in dementia research or to address stumbling blocks in their career path. Awards can be used to cover funding gaps or to complete a key piece of work for a publication.

Early career researchers (ECRs) are expected to be the lead applicant on applications. ECRs are defined as those who do not have a tenured position.

ECRs should have a track record in dementia research and plans to develop their career in dementia research. ECRs must justify how funds will enable them to continue to develop their careers in dementia research, and must present a concrete plan to secure further, longer-term funding (such as a fellowship or project grant).

The lead applicant should identify a co-applicant who is a senior established investigator at the institution where the project will be carried out. The co-applicant will provide the facilities required for the research programme and will provide career support and training opportunities for the ECR.

The lead applicant and point of contact must be based in a UK academic/research institution. However, the application can include researchers or institutions outside the UK. Co-applicants from small and medium enterprises are permitted.

The awards can last for up to six months, or up to 12 months on a part time basis.

Applicants can apply for up to £30,000. Funding can be used to cover salary, staff members, animals, running costs (consumables, travel etc) or a combination of these.

Applications should be submitted by the 29 April 2022 deadline.

(This report was the subject of a ResearchConnect Newsflash.)