UK Dementia Research Institute
Could UK Dementia Research Institute fund your project? Check fit free. Draft if yes — or shortlist better matches.
- Typical grants
- £250,000 – £1,000,000
- Applications
- Accepted
- How to apply
- Online form
Works for Registered charities, CIOs, CICs and community groups.
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ukdri.ac.ukAbout UK Dementia Research Institute
The UK Dementia Research Institute (UK DRI), established in 2017, is a virtual institute uniting nearly 1,000 researchers across multiple UK universities. It was founded with investment from the Medical Research Council, Alzheimer’s Society, and Alzheimer’s Research UK. Its mission is to uncover the causes of dementia and accelerate diagnostics, therapies, and healthy brain ageing solutions. The institute values scientific excellence, bold innovation, collaboration, inclusivity, and urgency. As a distinctive research hub, it operates on a national scale with a virtual structure, focusing on transformative dementia breakthroughs.
What UK Dementia Research Institute funds
The UK DRI funds discovery-driven and translational research projects, including high-risk initiatives on synapses, biomarkers, gene therapies, AI innovations, and care technologies. It supports investigator-led academic research on fundamental mechanisms, prevention, experimental therapeutics, and public health strategies. Funding is directed to UK-based academic institutions and research groups with strong infrastructure. The institute's work spans Alzheimer’s, vascular dementia, Parkinson’s, frontotemporal dementia, and rarer syndromes, with a focus on accelerating diagnostics and therapies.
Who can apply
Eligibility is restricted to UK-based academic institutions and research groups with strong infrastructure. Small charities and non-academic entities are not eligible. The institute funds organisations only, specifically registered charities within the health sector. There is no religious restriction on applicants.
What UK Dementia Research Institute doesn't fund
The institute does not fund service delivery, core costs, or non-research activities. It also does not support small charities or non-academic entities. Funding is not available for projects outside the scope of research into dementia causes, diagnostics, therapies, or healthy brain ageing.
How they like to fund
The UK DRI welcomes unsolicited applications. Funding is directed to UK-based academic institutions and research groups, supporting both discovery-driven and translational projects. The institute's virtual structure enables collaboration across multiple universities.
How much does UK Dementia Research Institute give?
Typical published range. What your charity could realistically get — and whether you would clear their rules on income, location and legal structure — is the free fit check.
When to apply, and how long their decisions take.
Income, location, legal structure and exactly who they fund — matched to your charity.
Good to know
How to apply to UK Dementia Research Institute
UK Dementia Research Institute takes applications via online form.
- Check whether your charity is in scope before you spend time on a full bid.
How it works
- 1Describe your project. Once — used for this funder and others.
- 2See if this could be a fit. Honest check on cause, place, size, and rules.
- 3Draft if yes. From your real data — or move on if not.
See if UK Dementia Research Institute could be a fit. Draft if yes.
Frequently asked questions
How much funding does UK Dementia Research Institute provide?
UK Dementia Research Institute typically provides grants of £250,000 - £1,000,000.
Where does UK Dementia Research Institute fund charities?
UK Dementia Research Institute funds charities operating in the UK.
Does UK Dementia Research Institute accept unsolicited applications?
UK Dementia Research Institute accepts unsolicited applications from eligible organisations. Current programme status is on this page — do not assume a round is open.
How do I apply for funding from UK Dementia Research Institute?
UK Dementia Research Institute takes applications via online form. Check whether your charity is in scope before you spend time on a full bid.
Similar funders
Other UK funders with overlapping focus — not a claim they fund the same charities.
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Could UK Dementia Research Institute be a fit?
Check free. Draft if yes, or shortlist better matches.