Applications are now open for the Race Against Dementia Ignition Fund. This fast-track funding opportunity supports UK-based researchers with innovative projects that build on unexpected findings and open new lines of enquiry in dementia research.
We are looking for early- to mid-career researchers (and selected senior applicants) with strong, novel ideas that fall outside the scope of traditional funding.
Grants of up to £100,000 are available for projects lasting up to 24 months, with support for research costs, staffing or equipment.
The application process is simple and two-stage, designed to move promising ideas quickly from submission to interview and decision.
Part 2: Lay summary
The review panel will award grants on scientific merit and on the quality of the application and applicants. The Grant Panel Members will review all applications in advance of a panel meeting and then discuss and score each before inviting applicants to attend an interview.
At the interview applicants will be given the chance to respond to questions or concerns about their application from a panel of reviewers. After the interviews the panel will make recommendations for funding.
These recommendations will be presented to the Race Against Dementia trustees for final approval.
Evidence of a new lead, a surprising finding or an idea that has emerged from your current research that is unexpected or conflicts with existing research. It must be from your own work.
This grant is designed to help you run a new line of inquiry in parallel with existing work. What is your current work and how would this grant enable you to pursue a novel idea that existing funding wouldn’t support?
The Ignition Fund does not focus on one specific type of dementia research. The Fund supports projects across the full research spectrum, including basic, translational and clinical studies. While research into dementia care is a critical part of the wider research landscape, the Fund is specifically focused on supporting research that improves our understanding of dementia and drives progress towards better diagnosis, prevention and treatment.
Yes. Projects using existing datasets or secondary data analysis are eligible, provided they align with the aims of the Ignition Fund and are being used to pursue a novel opportunity or unexpected finding arising from the applicant’s current research.
You do not need to have published preliminary data, however you must be able to explain how the project is based on a finding emerging from your existing work, and how this grant would enable you to rapidly pursue and develop that finding.
No, the Ignition Fund does not cover the following: central administration, travel to conferences, utilities, building costs, lab space or tenured researchers whose salaries are already fully covered by the University.
Applications are accepted from early- to mid-career researchers, although applications from more senior researchers will also be considered. Applicants must have a PhD, however we accept applications from PhD students provided that their PhD is awarded by the time the proposed project begins.
No, an early career researcher can be the lead applicant and early career researchers are encouraged to apply.
Co-applicants are permitted, provided that they fit the eligibility criteria.Â
The awardee must be at a UK-based institution.
No, the Ignition Fund focuses on Universities and recognised research institutions.
All applicants will be contacted regarding the outcome, with interview invitations sent as early as possible.
Projects funded through the Ignition Fund should commence within twelve months of the award date.
Funds can become available as soon as a gift agreement with terms and conditions is in place with the institution.Â
Funding is sent directly to and managed by the host institution. The Institution is responsible for financial oversight and both the institution and researcher may be asked to contribute to reporting.Â
