Dementia Australia’s research foundation commits $2.6 million to 12 new projects
The Dementia Australia Research Foundation has announced its 2026 grant program, funding 12 research projects across prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care, including a new grant named after a researcher who spent her career making dementia diagnosis simpler.
The Dementia Australia Research Foundation has announced $2.6 million in funding for 12 research projects across prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and care.
The 2026 grant program supports early, mid-career, and senior researchers working on some of the field’s most pressing questions.
A grant named for a researcher
This year’s round includes something new: the Dr Pratishtha Chatterjee Memorial Travel and Collaboration Grant.
Dr Pratishtha Chatterjee, known to colleagues as Rimi, spent her career trying to make Alzheimer’s diagnosis simpler and more accessible. She continued that work while managing serious illness of her own.
Her husband, Professor Abhay Singh, proposed the grant in her name.
“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,” he said. “This grant exists to give fellow researchers exactly that.”
The grant is open to women and researchers from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds working on dementia diagnosis. Recipients receive $15,000 for professional development, travel, and collaboration.
26 years of funding
The Dementia Australia Research Foundation has been funding research since 2000. Over that time, it has committed more than $40 million to over 400 projects.
More than 446,500 Australians are living with dementia, with around 1.7 million people involved in their care. Research funding in this area has direct consequences for those numbers. Earlier diagnosis gives people more time to plan, more choices about their care, and more access to support. Better approaches to care shape what daily life looks like for people in residential facilities and at home.
Foundation Chair Professor Graeme Samuel AC said this year’s round has a strong focus on equity alongside the science.
“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.”
Dementia Australia CEO Professor Tanya Buchanan acknowledged the people who make it possible. “All funding for the Dementia Australia Research Foundation is donated by members of the public and by private and philanthropic organisations. Thank you to every single supporter.”
If you need support
If you or someone you care about is living with dementia, the National Dementia Helpline is free and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Call 1800 100 500.
