A global reach for dementia research

The Dementia Australia Research Foundation is changing the way it supports dementia research.

It has become the first research funder in the world to strategically align with the World Health Organization’s Blueprint for Dementia Research.

Over the past year, the Foundation used the Blueprint to look closely at where it can make the greatest contribution to dementia research, not only through the projects it funds, but how it supports researchers and helps their work achieve impact.

That process shaped its new Strategic Plan (2026-2029) and an expanded role for the Foundation. Funding excellent research remains at the heart of what it does, but now it's the beginning of the contribution, not the end.

Over the next three years, the Foundation will be implementing new initiatives to build researcher capability, strengthen collaboration and help move research into policy, practice, education and commercialisation.

The WHO has now shared its approach on its Global Dementia Observatory Knowledge Exchange Platform as an example of how the Blueprint can be put into practice.

A huge thank you to all the Advocates, researchers, donors, staff and industry partners who helped to shape this new way forward.