Alzheimer Scotland Student Research Programme 2027
Applications are open
Alzheimer Scotland, working with the Scottish Dementia Research Consortium (SDRC), is pleased to announce the 2027 round of the Alzheimer Scotland Student Research Programme.
The Programme supports Scotland’s dementia research environment by funding Master’s-level research studentships and providing successful students and research teams with opportunities for development, engagement, and collaboration.
2027 research theme
This year’s call will support research on:
Underrepresented and underserved people and communities in dementia
Applications are invited for a one-year funded Master’s research studentship exploring the experiences, needs and inequalities affecting people and communities who are underrepresented or underserved in dementia.
Geographic inequalities are a particular priority for this call. This includes rural and remote experiences and differences in access, experience and outcomes between rural, remote and urban areas. Applicants are also encouraged to consider how geography and access may intersect with other characteristics, circumstances and experiences.
Strong proposals focusing on other significantly underserved or underrepresented populations are also welcome where there is a clear need, evidence gap and potential benefit.
About the award
Awards of up to £35,000 are available for Scotland-based studentships. Funding can cover tuition fees, research consumables and a student stipend of at least the UKRI 2026/27 rate (£21,805).
Projects must be new, one-year, full-time Master’s-level research projects. Applications should be submitted by the institution hosting the studentship rather than by individual students, and the lead institution must be based in Scotland.
Applicants must also be members of the SDRC. Membership is free.
What are we looking for?
Strong proposals will combine an important and achievable research question with a clear rationale for the population or community being studied. Applications should demonstrate meaningful involvement of people with lived experience, an appropriate methodology, credible plans for access and recruitment, realistic costs, and the ability to deliver the research within one year.
The Programme is particularly interested in research that can generate practical learning about inequality, access and inclusion and contribute to more equitable dementia research, care, and support.
Applications are welcomed from a wide range of research disciplines. Research teams do not need an established track record in dementia research, but proposals must demonstrate relevance to brain health or dementia, or the potential to benefit people living with dementia.
Application process and key dates
Applications will follow a three-stage process: an initial application, a more detailed second-stage application for shortlisted teams, and interview.
First-stage applications open: 1 September 2026
First-stage application deadline: 5 October 2026
Second-stage shortlist announced: week commencing 19 October 2026
Second-stage application deadline: 18 December 2026
Interviews: mid-February 2027
Successful institution(s) announced: 1 March 2027
Master’s project begins: October 2027
At the first stage, the prospective supervisor at the lead research institution should submit an expression of interest. Applications can be made either with an identified student or with plans to recruit the student following an award.
Important: Applicants must be members of the SDRC. Membership is free.
