$1 Million and counting…
Thanks to strong community support, Alzheimer’s Australia Research has announced research grants in excess of $1million per year for the next three years.
“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 Alzheimer’s Australia chief executive officer, Glenn 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 has lagged far behind other chronic illnesses such as cancer, diabetes and heart disease.”
Alzheimer’s Australia Research is dedicated to building capacity in the field of dementia research by funding the newest, best and brightest researchers in the field.
Dr Michael Valenzuela, an expert on regenerative neuroscience and dementia prevention at the University of New South Wales, was one of the earliest grant recipients in 1999.
Dr Valenzuela has now been recognised as one of Australia’s top-ranked medical researchers by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), and was co-winner of the inaugural NSW Young Tall Poppy of the Year award in 2009.
Dr Olivier Piguet, from Neuroscience Research Australia, said that his grant from Alzheimers Australia was his first successful grant as an independent researcher.
“It provided a valuable stepping stone towards obtaining additional research funding. Since that time, I have been awarded two fellowships and three research grants worth $1.3 million from the NHMRC.”
Mr Rees said that as a consumer organisation, Alzheimer’s Australia is totally committed to ensuring that dementia research is both relevant to the issues experienced by consumers, and results in tangible and beneficial outcomes.
“For the first time in 2011, people with dementia and their family carers and friends have been empowered to set priorities for the research that is funded. Consumers are acutely aware of the gaps in Alzheimer’s research; particularly in the area of community care. They have now been given the opportunity to steer the direction of Alzheimer’s research.”
Alzheimer’s Australia Research is now calling for applications for a number of grants, including new researcher grants, travel funding, and postdoctoral fellowships.
For more information about the grants available in 2011, or to find out how to donate to dementia research through Alzheimer’s Australia, visit http://www.alzheimers.org.au
