New funding round open for dementia research

Researchers, health professionals and policymakers with novel research ideas are encouraged to apply for a new funding round, writes Heather Hubble.

According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare more than 340,000 Australians were estimated to have dementia in 2015. Based on projections of population ageing and growth, the number of people with dementia will reach almost 400,000 by 2020, and around 900,000 by 2050.

Research is critical to meet the challenges that these alarming statistics foreshadow.

The Dementia Collaborative Research Centres (DCRC), funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) have opened a new funding round for small, medium and large projects to be completed by 30 June 2017. Up to 24 awards ranging from less than $50,000 to $200,000 will be made in the national funding round, which opens today and closes on 29 February 2016.

Project proposals must meet the NHMRC priority dementia areas, including:

• optimising timely, accurate and supported diagnosis
• developing effective interventions to support carers and optimise their capacity and opportunity to care
• developing effective interventions to reduce the risk of dementia and prevent incidence of dementia
• developing interventions to delay the onset of dementia
• developing interventions to offer treatment for dementia
• developing interventions for the behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia to support quality of life and quality of care
• optimising clinical care for people with dementia in complex care settings and at different stages of the disease
• increasing the self-determination and independence of people living with dementia.

The DCRCs are in a unique position in being able to offer a range of grant funding that may not be otherwise possible in today’s competitive funding environment.

Researchers, health professionals and policymakers with novel research ideas that build capacity in dementia research, propose a meaningful ‘bench-to-bedside’ approach, and which actively support and implement knowledge translation, are encouraged to apply.

The funding round is a collaboration between the centres that specialise in Assessment and Better Care, based at UNSW Australia; Carers and Consumers, based at Queensland University of Technology; and Early Diagnosis and Prevention, based at The Australian National University.

For more information and to apply visit the DCRC website.

Any resulting funding will be subject to finalisation of a grant agreement with NHMRC

Heather Hubble is manager of the Dementia Collaborative Research Centre, Early Diagnosis and Prevention.