📢 Calling all Early Career Researchers! The second call of the SPIN-D Network Plus Flexible Funding call is now open.
📅 Deadline for applications is 31 March 2026.

The SPIN-D Flexible Fund is aimed at supporting early career researchers (ECRs) focusing on dementia risk factors, risk reduction, and improving care for individuals living with dementia in their own homes. This initiative encourages innovative research proposals that align with the network’s objectives.

The fund is open to supporting projects that will delve deeper into our understanding of dementia, or share findings from previous studies. They are interested in the role that different risk factors can play in determining whether people go on to develop dementia, and how symptoms advance. They are also interested in projects that test ways to reduce dementia risk and improve care and support for those living with dementia in their own homes.

Hosted by Dementia Researcher, the session supports early career researchers considering an application and explains what the fund is designed to support.

Professor Georgina Charlesworth introduces the SPIN D Network Plus and outlines the three funding streams available:

1- Inclusion in Practice funding of up to £5,000 for early stage ideas, partnership building and co production.
2- Proof of Principle funding to test or implement promising approaches.
3- Data Access Funding to support use of datasets such as PROTECT, available alongside Proof of Principle awards.

The session explains eligibility, full economic costing, realistic budgeting, timelines and expectations around outputs and reporting. Applications must be led by early career researchers and align with the SPIN D focus on dementia risk reduction, early stages of dementia and brain health inequalities.

Steve Kennedy, a lived experience reviewer diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia, shares what the funding panel looks for. He highlights the importance of meaningful public involvement, clarity, respect and research that responds to real world needs rather than treating lived experience as an add on.

The Q and A covers common questions including:

-What counts as an early career researcher
-Whether salaries can be included
-Eligibility of charities, companies and community partners
-Building on existing work rather than starting from scratch
-How lived experience researchers and unpaid carers can be involved
-What makes applications stand out or fall short

The session closes with advice on preparing strong applications, avoiding common mistakes and using SPIN D funding as a stepping stone towards larger grants.