More than $1 million worth of grant funding will be made available for budding researchers with an interest in dementia-related issues, Alzheimer’s Australia Research (AAR) announced today.
The research grants will be up for grabs this year and every year for the next three years, with applications for the 2011 round open now.
Alzheimer’s Australia CEO, Glenn Rees, said that the funding will go towards a variety of projects and will include new researcher grants, travel funding, and postdoctoral fellowships.
“This milestone has been achieved as a result of increased donations and bequests, and is a clear reflection of the fact that the community is increasingly concerned about the epidemic of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease that we are facing,” said Mr Rees.
“At present, there is no cure for dementia, nor do we understand the causes. While Alzheimer’s Australia and the general public certainly have a role to play in supporting urgently needed research, the Government’s response through dementia research funding is sadly inadequate in comparison to other chronic illnesses such as diabetes and heart disease.”
AAR is the research arm of Alzheimer’s Australia. It is dedicated to building capacity in the field of dementia research. This is achieved by funding emerging talented researchers to encourage them to become involved in dementia research.
“As a consumer organisation, AAR is totally committed to ensuring that dementia research is both relevant to the issues experienced by consumers, and results in tangible and beneficial outcomes,” said Mr Rees.
For more information about the grants available in 2011 or to donate to dementia research through Alzheimer’s Australia, click here.