Alzheimer Scotland Student Research Programme

In 2022 Alzheimer Scotland, with support of the Scottish Dementia Research Consortium (SDRC), established the Alzheimer Scotland Student Research Programme.

The purpose of this Programme is to support the next generation of dementia and brain health research by funding studentships at institutions across Scotland. It is part of Alzheimer Scotland’s commitment to support the Scottish Brain Health and Dementia Research Strategy, which aims to make Scotland the best environment for research, including nurturing the career development of early career researchers.

About the Programme

Overview

The Alzheimer Scotland Student Research Programme aims to fund at least one MRes studenthship every year. Funding will include stipend, consumables, and tuition fees to a total value of £25k per student.

Every year, we will welcome applications from research institutions for projects around a specific theme which align with SDRC Research Themes.  The funding can be for for a small-scale, one year project that stands alone, or fund activity which forms part of a bigger research puzzle.

What makes this Programme different?

The Alzheimer Scotland Student Research Programme offers more to the student/research team than a financial contribution. It will also support the professional and personal development of the successful awardees. The following opportunities will be available to the successful applicant.

  • Developing research communication skills through meetings with Alzheimer Scotland stakeholders such as Scottish Dementia Working Group (SDWG) and National Dementia Carers Action Network (NDCAN) and Alzheimer Scotland staff
  • Learning about dementia from those with lived experience
  • Networking opportunities with researchers that work closely with Alzheimer Scotland, such as SDRC Executive Committee Members, Alzheimer Scotland Dementia Research Centre staff, Alzheimer Scotland Centre for Policy and Practice Staff.

We are also proud to have the voice of people with lived experience of dementia 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.

A few of the Research Programme’s selection panel, featuring members of Scottish Dementia Working Group (SDWG) and National Dementia Carers Action Network (NDCAN)

Who can apply to this programme?

The Alzheimer Scotland Student Research Programme is open to research teams from intitutions across Scotland. It aims to be as inclusive as possible and welcome applications from diverse research disciplines. The research team applying for funding does not need to have specific track record in dementia research. Although it is important to demonstrate how their research has relevance to brain health or dementia or how the outcomes of the research could benefit people living with dementia. The research team must also express interest in the aims and mission of Alzheimer Scotland and commit to engaging with Alzheimer Scotland throughout the studentship.

Please note we will not accept applications from individuals seeking to pursue an MRes project unless they have formal backing from a research instituion such as a university or NHS Scotland.

Applications are only open to Scottish Dementia Research Consortium members. Anyone is able to sign up for free here

How to apply

 The Alzheimer Scotland Student Research Programme is open from October-November. 

 We are not taking applications at this time, but we will update this page, social media and our member newsletter when we launch new funding rounds.

How can I be a part of the SDRC?

The SDRC is the biggest network of dementia and brain health research in Scotland. We all work together to celebrate and grow the research community.

Membership is free and open to all.