Innovative researchers encouraged to find breakthroughs in dementia
Experts and talented emerging researchers have an opportunity to access almost $4.8 million in funding for Project Grants, Fellowships and Innovation Grants though the Dementia Australia Research Foundation.
As part of the 2021 grant round, the ‘Race Against Dementia – Dementia Australia Research Foundation Post-doctoral Fellowship’ programme is again supporting an early career researcher in the field of dementia prevention or treatment.
Racing legend Sir Jackie Stewart OBE is the founder and Chairman of the charity, Race Against Dementia. Sir Jackie is also a Patron of Dementia Australia. Sir Jackie said that he was delighted that Race Against Dementia and the Dementia Australia Research Foundation had been able to partnership to support another fellow. This demonstrates Race Against Dementia’s global commitment to funding dementia research.
“Since my wife, Helen, was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia in 2014, I have tried to encourage more and better research into dementia. This disease kills so many people – we need to find more effective ways of dealing with it. One in three of people born today will live with dementia – unless we find a cure. For every one researcher into dementia there are more than four cancer researchers. We need more action and more financial support now” Sir Jackie said.
“The charity I founded, Race Against Dementia, is currently supporting ten fellows in their post-doctoral research. I am truly delighted that this joint programme with Dementia Australia will allow us to support another fellow.
“The race is on – we must beat this terrible disease before even more people, and their families, have to face dementia. This is the greatest challenge of my life.”
The Chair of the Dementia Australia Research Foundation, Professor Graeme Samuel AC, said with an estimated half a million Australians living with dementia and the disease being the second leading cause of death of Australians and the leading cause of death of Australian women, research into dementia is now more urgent than ever.
“By supporting up-and-coming researchers, we will be able to target the brightest new minds whilst at a critical crossroads for choosing a research path,” Mr Samuel said.
“This means that we are not only supporting them to solve another piece of the dementia puzzle now, but hopefully cementing their career-long focus on dementia research.
The Dementia Australia Research Foundation is also pleased to announce funding for The Faye Williams Innovation Grant. The Grant presents an extraordinary opportunity for high calibre researchers, including those from outside the field of traditional dementia research, to offer new approaches and collaborations. Funding for two research projects that could transform the landscape of dementia research in particular research into Alzheimer’s disease in older people, are available.
Applications for Project Grants, Post-doctoral Fellowships and Mid-Career Research Fellowships close 30 August 2021; Innovation Grant applications close 13 September 2021. For more information and to apply head to dementia.org.au/research/dementia-australia-research-foundation-grants
The Dementia Australia Research Foundation is the research arm of Dementia Australia, which provides funding to support new and emerging dementia researchers. Since 2000, over $21 million in funding has been awarded for more than 300 grants, scholarships and fellowships. Details of funding opportunities are available at dementia.org.au/research/dementia-australia-research-foundation-grants
Race Against Dementia, founded by Sir Jackie Stewart, raises and allocates funds to research in the race to find a prevention or treatment for dementia.
The Race Against Dementia Fellowship Programmes draw from the most promising early career scientific talent around the world. Collaboration with forward-thinking organisations in Formula One and other innovative high-tech companies brings the dynamic attitude, dedication, and agility of Grand Prix teamwork to drive results in dementia research. The programme not only accelerates the Fellows’ personal research agendas, but also aspires to catalyse a change in dementia research culture globally.
For more information, please go to www.raceagainstdementia.comor follow @racingdementia.
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Media contacts: Gabrielle Prabhu, Media & Communications Manager, 0447 253 583, Gabrielle.Prabhu@dementia.org.au
When talking or writing about dementia please refer to Dementia-Friendly Language Guidelines.