Alzheimer Scotland is pleased to announce the launch of the Student Research Programme.
Alzheimer Scotland, with support of the Scottish Dementia Research Consortium (SDRC), is establishing a new research fund for projects for dementia and brain health in Scotland. This aligns with the Scottish Brain Health and Dementia Research Strategy, which aims to make Scotland the best environment for research, including supporting the career development of Early Career Researchers.
In the first year of this scheme, the Alzheimer Scotland Student Research Programme will fund two MRes projects. This specific funding round will award studentships relating to the intersection of the research themes “Living with Dementia” and “Diagnosis”.
These MRes projects will be fully funded. Funding not only includes tuition fees and consumables but also a stipend for each student. This will support people to pursue a research career and develop ideas that otherwise may be difficult. The projects can be a starting point to more research, or form part of a piece of a bigger research puzzle.
What makes the Alzheimer Scotland Student Research Programme different to other funding schemes is that it will offer more than a financial contribution. By working together with colleagues, volunteers and networks within Alzheimer Scotland, successful applicants will develop their research communication skills and be offered many important networking opportunities.
Applications for the Alzheimer Scotland Student Research Programme will open on Tuesday 8th November 2022, with more details available in due course. The first round of applications will involve producing a lay summary proposal, after which successful applications will be invited to submit a more detailed funding proposal.
The voice of people with lived experience of dementia will be at the heart of influencing which projects will be funded. Representatives from the Scottish Dementia Working Group (SDWG) and National Dementia Carers Action Network (NDCAN) will form an independent selection panel, playing a key role in selecting the studentships. They will also work closely with the successful applicants throughout the course of the research project.
Please feel free to share this announcement with friends and colleagues who may be interested. However, be aware that applications are only open to Scottish Dementia Research Consortium members. Anyone is able to sign up for free here.