Deadline: 27-Jul-2026
The Professional Development and Collaboration Grant provides up to AUD 15,000 to support Australian dementia researchers in developing professional skills, expanding research networks, and building collaborative partnerships. The funding supports conferences, workshops, internships, research visits, and collaboration activities that strengthen dementia research capacity and promote knowledge exchange across Australia and internationally.
Overview
The Professional Development and Collaboration Grant is designed to strengthen Australia’s dementia research workforce by supporting professional development opportunities and collaborative activities.
The program enables early- and mid-career dementia researchers to enhance their expertise, establish new partnerships, share research findings, and engage with researchers, industry stakeholders, healthcare professionals, and people with lived or living experience of dementia.
By supporting knowledge exchange and research collaboration, the grant aims to accelerate innovation and improve outcomes across the dementia research sector.
Funding Information
- Maximum funding available: AUD 15,000
- Grant duration: Up to 6 months
- Activity period: Activities conducted during 2027 or as otherwise approved
- Geographic focus: Australia and approved domestic or international development activities
Funding supports activities that directly contribute to professional development, research capacity building, and dementia research collaboration.
Program Objectives
The grant seeks to:
- Build dementia research capacity in Australia
- Support career development of emerging researchers
- Strengthen national and international research collaborations
- Promote knowledge exchange and dissemination
- Foster partnerships between researchers and stakeholders
- Encourage engagement with people living with dementia and their carers
- Enhance research translation and impact
- Develop sustainable professional networks
The program supports activities that contribute directly to advancing dementia research and improving future research outcomes.
Eligible Activities
Funding may be used for activities such as:
- Attendance at conferences
- Participation in workshops and training programs
- Research internships
- Research exchange visits
- Collaborative meetings
- Research networking activities
- Professional development opportunities
- Knowledge translation events
- Research dissemination activities
- Partnership-building initiatives
Activities should clearly demonstrate how they will enhance the applicant’s professional development and contribute to dementia research advancement.
Research Areas Supported
The program supports researchers working across the full spectrum of dementia research, including:
- Biomedical research
- Clinical research
- Psychosocial research
- Public health research
- Dementia care research
- Knowledge translation and implementation science
- Health services research
- Prevention and risk reduction research
- Lived experience and consumer-focused research
Projects and activities may involve interdisciplinary collaboration across multiple research fields.
Eligible Expenses
Funding may be used for:
- Conference registration fees
- Workshop registration costs
- Domestic travel expenses
- International travel expenses
- Accommodation costs
- Research visit expenses
- Collaboration meeting costs
- Costs associated with involving people with lived or living experience of dementia
All expenses must be directly related to the approved professional development activity.
Who Is Eligible?
Applicants must meet all eligibility requirements.
Researcher Eligibility
Applicants must:
- Be dementia researchers based in Australia
- Be classified as early-career or mid-career researchers
- Be affiliated with an eligible Australian host institution
- Intend to return to a position in Australia following the funded activity
PhD Student Eligibility
PhD applicants must:
- Be enrolled in a PhD program
- Have completed at least one year full-time equivalent study
- Have successfully passed PhD confirmation requirements
Early- and Mid-Career Researcher Eligibility
Researchers may be eligible if they are:
- Up to 10 years post-PhD completion
- Eligible for career interruption adjustments where applicable
Citizenship and Residency Requirements
Applicants must be one of the following:
- Australian citizen
- New Zealand citizen residing in Australia
- Australian permanent resident
- Holder of an appropriate Australian work visa
Institutional and Documentation Requirements
Applications must include:
- Institutional endorsement from the host institution
- Evidence of PhD enrolment or completion status where applicable
- Letters supporting travel or collaborative activities
- Ethics approvals if required
- Additional supporting documentation specified in the application guidelines
Where public dissemination or research activities involve human participants, appropriate ethics approval must be obtained before activities commence.
Why This Grant Matters
Professional development and collaboration play a critical role in advancing dementia research.
This grant helps researchers:
- Gain new knowledge and skills
- Access international expertise
- Build multidisciplinary partnerships
- Expand professional networks
- Share research findings with broader audiences
- Strengthen research translation and implementation
- Develop future leadership capacity within the dementia research sector
The program contributes to a stronger and more connected dementia research community capable of generating greater impact for people living with dementia and their families.
How Applications Are Assessed
Applications undergo a competitive review process.
Assessment stages include:
- Eligibility screening
- External review where required
- Scientific Panel evaluation
- Dementia Advocate review of selected criteria
- Final funding recommendation
- Approval by the Dementia Australia Research Foundation Board
Funding decisions are final and are not subject to appeal.
Assessment Criteria
Applications are evaluated based on:
Professional Development Benefit
Reviewers assess:
- Potential career development outcomes
- Skills development opportunities
- Value of the proposed activity
- Contribution to future research capacity
Track Record and Independence
Reviewers consider:
- Research achievements
- Academic and professional experience
- Evidence of independence and leadership potential
- Contributions to dementia research
Scientific Merit and Feasibility
Assessment includes:
- Relevance to dementia research
- Quality of the proposed activity
- Feasibility of implementation
- Potential research impact
Applicants should clearly demonstrate how the activity aligns with these criteria.
How to Apply
Applicants should follow these steps:
- Confirm eligibility requirements.
- Identify a professional development or collaboration opportunity.
- Obtain institutional support and endorsements.
- Prepare a detailed activity plan and budget.
- Gather required supporting documents.
- Obtain ethics approvals if applicable.
- Complete and submit the application before the deadline.
Applicants should clearly explain:
- The proposed activity
- Expected professional development outcomes
- Benefits to dementia research
- Collaboration opportunities
- Knowledge-sharing plans
- Budget justification
Strong applications provide a clear link between the proposed activity and long-term research impact.
Tips for a Competitive Application
Successful applications typically:
- Present a clear professional development strategy
- Demonstrate strong relevance to dementia research
- Include meaningful collaboration opportunities
- Show potential for long-term partnerships
- Explain expected career benefits
- Provide realistic budgets and timelines
- Demonstrate value for money
- Include strong institutional support
Applications should clearly articulate how the funded activity will contribute to future research capacity and impact.
Common Application Mistakes
Common issues include:
- Weak justification for the proposed activity
- Limited explanation of expected outcomes
- Poor alignment with dementia research priorities
- Insufficient evidence of professional development benefit
- Incomplete supporting documentation
- Unrealistic budgets
- Lack of collaboration or networking value
- Missing ethics approvals where required
Applicants should ensure all eligibility and documentation requirements are fully addressed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the maximum funding available?
Successful applicants may receive up to AUD 15,000.
How long can funded activities run?
Activities may be conducted over a period of up to six months.
Who can apply?
Australian-based dementia researchers, including eligible PhD students, early-career researchers, and mid-career researchers.
Can funding be used for conference attendance?
Yes. Conference registration, travel, and accommodation costs are eligible expenses.
Are international research visits eligible?
Yes. Research visits, internships, and collaborative activities may be supported where they contribute to professional development and dementia research advancement.
Is institutional endorsement required?
Yes. Applicants must obtain endorsement and supporting documentation from their eligible Australian host institution.
How are applications assessed?
Applications are assessed on professional development benefit, research track record and independence, and scientific merit and feasibility, with final decisions made by the Dementia Australia Research Foundation Board.
Conclusion
The Professional Development and Collaboration Grant provides valuable support for Australian dementia researchers seeking to expand their skills, networks, and collaborative partnerships. With funding of up to AUD 15,000, the program enables participation in conferences, research visits, internships, workshops, and collaboration activities that strengthen dementia research capacity, promote knowledge exchange, and contribute to better outcomes for people living with dementia and their families.
For more information, visit Dementia Australia Research Foundation.
