Submit Applications for Mid-Career Research Fellowship Program (Australia)

Deadline: 27-Jul-2026

Applications are now open for the Mid-Career Research Fellowship Program, which supports Australian researchers pursuing independent careers in dementia research. The fellowship aims to strengthen leadership in dementia research while advancing knowledge, treatment, care, and prevention strategies for people living with dementia.

The program provides substantial salary and research funding to help mid-career researchers establish themselves as internationally recognized leaders in the field and contribute to improving outcomes for individuals, families, and communities affected by dementia.

About the Fellowship

The Mid-Career Research Fellowship Program is designed to support researchers who are transitioning toward independent research leadership in dementia-related fields.

The fellowship encourages high-quality research that advances understanding of dementia, improves diagnosis and care, develops new treatment approaches, and contributes to long-term efforts to prevent and ultimately cure dementia.

Researchers from a wide range of disciplines are encouraged to apply, including biomedical, clinical, psychosocial, and knowledge translation fields.

Focus Areas

The fellowship supports research related to:

• Causes of dementia
• Dementia prevention
• Risk reduction strategies
• Disease progression
• Early diagnosis and detection
• Diagnostic tools and testing
• New dementia treatments
• Dementia sub-types
• Care and support models
• Treatment improvement
• Quality of life for people living with dementia
• Rights of people living with dementia
• Family and caregiver support
• Knowledge translation
• Public awareness and education
• Dementia cure research

Purpose of the Fellowship

The program aims to:

• Support independent dementia researchers
• Build research leadership capacity
• Advance dementia science and innovation
• Improve care and treatment outcomes
• Strengthen multidisciplinary collaboration
• Promote evidence-based practice
• Increase public understanding of dementia
• Support research with real-world impact

Fellowship Funding

Each fellowship provides:

Salary Support

• $162,500 per year
• Funding provided for two years
• Subject to indexation

Research Project Grant

• $85,000 for research expenses

Additional Support

• Up to $15,000 for:
  • Professional development
  • Travel
  • Collaboration activities

Host Institution Contribution

• Any salary costs above the fellowship contribution must be covered by the host institution

Fellowship Duration

Funding is provided for:

• Two years

Eligible Applicants

Applicants must be:

• Australian citizens
• New Zealand citizens residing in Australia
• Permanent residents of Australia

Applicants must also:

• Be based in Australia
• Conduct the research within Australia
• Obtain relevant ethics approvals where required

Academic Requirements

Eligible researchers must:

• Have completed a PhD within the last 10 years
• Be at or below Associate Professor level or equivalent

Career interruption allowances may be considered when assessing eligibility.

Eligible Research Fields

Researchers may come from:

• Biomedical sciences
• Clinical research
• Psychosocial research
• Knowledge translation research
• Public health
• Health services research
• Related dementia-focused disciplines

Mentor Requirements

Applicants must be supported by a mentor who:

• Is based at the host institution or a related institution
• Holds a contract covering the fellowship period
• Provides research oversight
• Offers mentoring and guidance
• Supports access to facilities and resources

Multidisciplinary Collaboration

The fellowship encourages collaboration among:

• Health professionals
• Biomedical researchers
• Clinicians
• Statisticians
• Health economists
• Public health researchers
• Policy makers
• Knowledge translation specialists

Consumer and Community Involvement

A strong emphasis is placed on involving:

• People living with dementia
• Family members
• Carers
• Community stakeholders

Research proposals should demonstrate meaningful engagement with those directly affected by dementia wherever appropriate.

Expected Outcomes

The fellowship aims to support:

• Independent research careers
• International research leadership
• Improved dementia care
• Better treatment options
• Increased understanding of dementia
• Enhanced support for families and carers
• Greater public awareness
• Progress toward prevention and cure

Importance of the Fellowship

Dementia remains one of the most significant health and social challenges worldwide. Supporting mid-career researchers helps build the next generation of leaders capable of delivering breakthroughs in prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and care.

Key benefits include:

• Significant salary support
• Dedicated research funding
• Career development opportunities
• Mentorship support
• Collaboration opportunities
• Leadership development
• Contribution to dementia solutions

Application Tips

Strong applications typically demonstrate:

• A clear and innovative research proposal
• Strong relevance to dementia priorities
• Evidence of research excellence
• Potential for significant impact
• Multidisciplinary collaboration
• Meaningful consumer involvement
• Realistic project planning
• Strong mentorship arrangements

Common Application Mistakes

Applications may be weakened by:

• Weak alignment with dementia research priorities
• Limited research impact potential
• Unclear methodology
• Insufficient consumer engagement
• Weak mentorship plans
• Incomplete eligibility documentation
• Unrealistic project timelines
• Poor collaboration strategies

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of the Mid-Career Research Fellowship Program?

• To support independent dementia researchers in Australia.
• To develop internationally recognized research leaders.
• To advance dementia research, treatment, care, and prevention.

How much funding is available?

• $162,500 per year in salary support.
• $85,000 for research expenses.
• Up to $15,000 for professional development, travel, and collaboration activities.

How long does the fellowship last?

• Two years.

Who can apply?

• Australian citizens.
• New Zealand citizens residing in Australia.
• Permanent residents of Australia.

What research fields are eligible?

• Biomedical research.
• Clinical research.
• Psychosocial research.
• Knowledge translation research.
• Other dementia-related disciplines.

What career stage is required?

• PhD completed within the last 10 years.
• At or below Associate Professor level or equivalent.
• Career interruptions may be taken into account.

Is a mentor required?

• Yes.
• Applicants must have support from an eligible mentor who provides guidance, oversight, and access to research resources.

Conclusion

The Mid-Career Research Fellowship Program provides substantial funding and career development support for Australian researchers dedicated to advancing dementia research. By supporting innovative projects, multidisciplinary collaboration, and meaningful engagement with people living with dementia, the fellowship aims to strengthen research leadership and accelerate progress toward better prevention, diagnosis, treatment, care, and ultimately a cure for dementia.

For more information, visit Dementia Australia Research Foundation.