The core mission of the SPIN-D Network+ is to reduce dementia risk and improve people’s experience of living with dementia by supporting new projects and engaging with communities.  As a UK funded network, supported by NIHR, Alzheimer’s Society and ESRC, the network is growing its membership across the UK, and is connecting internationally through related organisations.  The network takes a co-production approach throughout all of its research work and events, involving those with lived experience of dementia and those that support them in all activities.  A key component of this mission is our commitment to support Early Career Researchers (ECRs) in the field of understanding brain health, dementia prevention and lessening the impact of dementia through appropriate support and care.

To bolster this work, SPIN-D has established a strategic partnership with the INTERDEM Academy, a pan-European network dedicated to psychosocial dementia research.

INTERDEM Academy: A Platform for ECR Development

Founded in 2014, the INTERDEM Academy aims to develop the careers and build capacity of ECRs working on psychosocial interventions under the supervision of INTERDEM seniors. With over 350 members across Europe, the Academy offers multidisciplinary training, capacity-building opportunities, and a platform for international collaboration .

Collaborative Opportunities for SPIN-D ECRs

Through our partnership with INTERDEM Academy, SPIN-D ECRs can access a range of opportunities:

• Participation in INTERDEM Academy Activities: ECRs can engage in masterclasses, webinars, and taskforce collaborations, particularly within the Prevention Taskforce.
  
• International Exchange: Leveraging INTERDEM’s network, ECRs can participate in exchange programmes to broaden their research perspectives.
  
• Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE): INTERDEM experts will provide tailored support to ECRs on designing and conducting PPIE initiatives, ensuring meaningful engagement of individuals with dementia in research. In addition, public partners within the SPIN-D network will offer mentorship,
  
• Annual Collaborative Events: Jointly organised activities will feature national and international experts sharing insights and fostering knowledge exchange among ECRs.

• Collaborative Research Activities: INTERDEM ECRs will be invited to attend SPIN-D research sandpit and engagement events alongside SPIN-D ECRs, to encourage and enable international collaborations to be developed and supported.
  

Get Involved

While both organisations will share each other’s news, we recommend ECRs signing up to both networks, to ensure opportunities and communication channels are open to you.

• Register with SPIN-D Network+: Express your interest and learn about opportunities by registering through the SPIN-D website.
• Join the INTERDEM Academy: Apply for membership to access training and collaborative opportunities.

INTERDEM Academy application form for membership | Interdem website

By fostering this collaboration, SPIN-D and INTERDEM Academy aim to empower ECRs to drive innovation in dementia prevention research.

For more information, visit spindementianet.org and interdem.org.