$2.6 million funding round to drive dementia research

The Dementia Australia Research Foundation has opened its 2026 Grant Program, offering $2.6m to support 12 innovative dementia research projects across prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care. 

This year, for the first time, the Foundation is offering the Dr Pratishtha Chatterjee Memorial Travel and Collaboration Grant, which will support women and culturally and linguistically diverse researchers studying strategies for earlier, more accessible, and more accurate dementia diagnosis.  

The grant is supported by Dr Chatterjee's husband, Professor Abhay Singh to advance research into cerebral diseases. It honours the significant contributions Dr Chatterjee made to dementia research during her career, including through grants she received from the Foundation. 

Professor Singh said this annual grant is a fitting tribute. 

"Pratishtha (Rimi) dedicated her scientific career to making Alzheimer's disease diagnosis simpler and more accessible, even while facing her own profound health challenges with courage and grace. Rimi carried immense promise to progress science and believed that exposure is the greatest influence in life, and this grant exists to give fellow researchers exactly that," Abhay said. 

"She was also deeply committed to supporting the next generation of researchers, particularly early-career scientists, women and those from diverse backgrounds." 

Successful fellowship applicants will also benefit from an extra $15,000 for professional development, travel and collaboration opportunities as part of their award. 

Foundation Chair Professor Graeme Samuel AC said that these new opportunities will strengthen research and accelerate impact.  

"This year's funding round also places a strong emphasis on professional development, equity and diversity, creating new opportunities for early- and mid-career researchers." 

"Researchers will have the chance to collaborate, share learnings and create opportunities that will lead to a more connected, impactful and coordinated research environment," he said. 

Dementia Australia CEO Professor Tanya Buchanan said as the largest non-government funder of dementia research, the Foundation's work is only possible because of the generous contributions of donors.  

"All funding for the Dementia Australia Research Foundation is donated by members of the public and by private and philanthropic organisations," Professor Buchanan said. 

"Thank you to every single supporter who makes funding such important and exciting Australian dementia research possible." 

For further information or to apply, visit the Dementia Australia Research Foundation
website.  

The Dementia Australia Research Foundation acknowledges the generosity of donors who support dementia research and the grants program. Since 2000, over $40 million in funding has supported more than 400 projects through the Dementia Grants Program. 

Dementia Australia is the source of trusted information, education and services for the estimated more than 446,500 Australians living with dementia, and the more than 1.7 million people involved in their care. We advocate for positive change and support vital research. We are here to support people impacted by dementia, and to enable them to live as well as possible. No matter how you are impacted by dementia or who you are, we are here for you. 

For support, please contact the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500. An interpreter service is available. The National Dementia Helpline is funded by the Australian Government. People looking for information can also visit dementia.org.au  

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