A leading online platform for dementia research careers and support, delivered by UCL and the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) BRC at UCLH, has secured £1.1 million in funding to enable the service to continue for a further five years.
The new investment in the worldwide platform, called Dementia Researcher, comes from the NIHR, Alzheimer’s Association, Alzheimer’s Research UK, Alzheimer’s Society and Race Against Dementia. United in purpose, this support demonstrates a major commitment to dementia research, recognising the importance that early and mid-careers researchers make.
Dementia Researcher was founded with the goal of encouraging more people to the field of dementia research and of providing support and resources to improve retention of early career researchers.
It has the unique aim of bringing the community together, from basic scientists to clinical and applied health and care researchers, in order to facilitate collaborations. Shared learning and listening from researchers will help bring about change and improve the environment and research culture for those at early career stages.
This new funding will be used to further develop the platform and expand its reach, making it easier for researchers and healthcare professionals working on dementia to come together as a community and gain access to support and resources.
Adam Smith, Programme Director for Dementia Researcher, said: “We are thrilled to have secured this funding, particularly as it comes from five partners who share a common goal. This support will allow us to continue our mission to bring more people into dementia research and support them to succeed. Early and Mid-Career researchers are the fuel that powers discovery, we can now support them to make the vital breakthroughs that people living with dementia need”.
Professor Martin Rossor, who oversaw initial development of the service said: "Our platform has already made a significant impact, and we are confident that with this new funding, we will be able to take it to the next level and make an even greater impact."
Dr Rosa Sancho, Head of Research at Alzheimer’s Research UK, said: “We highly value the supportive and informative environment that Dementia Researcher has created, and we are delighted to continue investing in this online platform for our early career researchers to connect with their peers and access resources.”
Dr Richard Oakley, Associate Director of Research at Alzheimer’s Society, said: “We know that early career researchers often experience challenges as they progress in their academic and clinical careers, but we don’t just want them to just survive a career in dementia research, we want them to thrive.
Claire Sexton, DPhil, Alzheimer's Association Senior Director of Scientific Programs & Outreach, said: "Through partnership with Dementia Researcher, the Alzheimer's Association looks forward to developing the next generation of dementia leaders by providing valuable collaborative opportunities, including attendance to dementia science conferences and participation in ISTAART".
Bridget Barker, CEO, Race Against Dementia, said: “Race Against Dementia, with the generous support of the Clore Duffield Foundation, understands the importance of Dementia Researcher to bring a community of early career researchers together. The Race Against Dementia Fellows have all benefitted from the information and network it provides to this vital community of dementia researchers. The platform enables many connections and collaborations, exactly what is needed to aid a breakthrough to prevent or cure this terrible disease. We hope this service will thrive for years to come.”
