Deadline: 27-Jul-2026
Applications are now open for the Dementia Australia Research Foundation Project Grant, which supports early-career researchers in Australia undertaking small-scale or pilot dementia research projects.
The grant aims to build research capacity by helping emerging investigators establish independent research careers while generating new knowledge that contributes to the understanding, prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and care of dementia.
About the Grant
The Dementia Australia Research Foundation Project Grant is designed to support early-career researchers conducting innovative dementia research.
Funding may be used for stand-alone projects or clearly defined components of larger research programmes, provided the proposed activities and outcomes are distinct from existing funded work.
Pilot studies are also eligible where they have clearly defined objectives and research outcomes.
Focus Areas
The grant supports research related to:
- Dementia causes and mechanisms
- Dementia prevention
- Risk reduction strategies
- Early diagnosis and detection
- Dementia treatment
- Care and support interventions
- Quality of life for people living with dementia
- Family and caregiver support
- Health services research
- Knowledge translation
- Clinical research
- Biomedical research
- Psychosocial research
- Dementia policy and practice
- Pilot and feasibility studies
Purpose of the Grant
The programme aims to:
- Support early-career dementia researchers
- Build dementia research capacity in Australia
- Encourage innovative pilot research
- Develop future research leaders
- Strengthen independent research careers
- Generate evidence for future large-scale studies
- Promote multidisciplinary collaboration
- Improve outcomes for people living with dementia
Grant Amount
Successful applicants will receive:
- AUD 85,000 per project
Project Duration
Projects may be funded for:
- Up to two years
Eligible Applicants
The Chief Investigator must be:
- An Australian citizen
- A New Zealand citizen residing in Australia
- A permanent resident of Australia
- A holder of a valid work visa
Applicants must also:
- Be based in Australia for at least 80% of the project duration
- Conduct the research primarily within Australia
Academic Requirements
The Chief Investigator must:
- Have no more than six years post-PhD experience at the time of application
- Have completed their PhD on or after 27 July 2020
- Have completed their thesis before March 2027
Career interruptions may be considered according to programme guidelines.
Previous Funding Restrictions
Applicants are not eligible if they have previously held lead investigator status on major research grants such as:
- NHMRC grants
- ARC grants
- MRFF grants
- Equivalent international funding schemes
However:
- Fellowship holders may still apply
Research Requirements
Projects must:
- Align with dementia research priorities
- Be primarily conducted in Australia
- Have clearly defined objectives and outcomes
- Demonstrate scientific merit and feasibility
- Be distinct from any larger funded projects where applicable
Ethics Requirements
Where applicable:
- Ethics approval must be obtained
- Funding may be withheld until ethics approval is secured
Multidisciplinary Collaboration
The programme encourages collaboration among:
- Researchers
- Scientists
- Clinicians
- Health professionals
- Public health experts
- Policy makers
- Industry partners
- Knowledge translation specialists
Consumer and Community Involvement
Applicants are strongly encouraged to involve:
- People living with dementia
- Family members
- Carers
- Community stakeholders
Meaningful engagement throughout the research process is highly recommended.
Expected Outcomes
The grant aims to support:
- High-quality dementia research
- Pilot and feasibility studies
- Research capacity building
- Independent research careers
- Future funding competitiveness
- Improved dementia care and treatment
- Better understanding of dementia
- Stronger research translation
Importance of the Grant
Dementia is one of Australia’s most significant health challenges, creating a growing need for innovative research and new researchers entering the field.
Key benefits include:
- Funding for independent projects
- Support for early-career investigators
- Opportunities to generate preliminary data
- Increased competitiveness for future grants
- Development of research leadership skills
- Contribution to dementia research priorities
- Enhanced collaboration opportunities
Application Tips
Strong applications typically demonstrate:
- A clear research question
- Strong alignment with dementia priorities
- Innovative and feasible methodology
- Well-defined outcomes
- Potential for future impact
- Strong multidisciplinary collaboration
- Meaningful involvement of people living with dementia
- Clear plans for research translation
Common Application Mistakes
Applications may be weakened by:
- Poorly defined research objectives
- Weak alignment with dementia research
- Unclear methodology
- Limited evidence of feasibility
- Insufficient consumer involvement
- Weak impact statements
- Incomplete eligibility documentation
- Lack of distinction from existing funded projects
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Dementia Australia Research Foundation Project Grant?
- A funding programme supporting early-career researchers conducting dementia research in Australia.
- A grant designed to build research capacity and support independent research careers.
How much funding is available?
- AUD 85,000 per project.
How long can projects run?
- Up to two years.
Who can apply?
- Australian citizens.
- New Zealand citizens residing in Australia.
- Permanent residents.
- Valid work visa holders based in Australia.
What is the post-PhD eligibility requirement?
- No more than six years post-PhD experience.
- PhD completion on or after 27 July 2020.
- Thesis completed before March 2027.
Can researchers who previously held major grants apply?
- No.
- Applicants must not have previously been lead investigators on major funding schemes such as NHMRC, ARC, MRFF, or equivalent international programmes.
- Fellowship holders may still apply.
Is involvement of people living with dementia encouraged?
- Yes.
- Researchers are strongly encouraged to involve people living with dementia and their carers throughout the research process.
Conclusion
The Dementia Australia Research Foundation Project Grant provides valuable support for early-career researchers seeking to establish independent careers in dementia research. With funding of AUD 85,000 over up to two years, the programme supports innovative studies, pilot projects, and multidisciplinary collaborations that contribute to better understanding, prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and care for people living with dementia and their families.
For more information, visit Dementia Australia Research Foundation.
