The Medical Research Council (MRC) led the development of the UK DRI since November 2015. The charities Alzheimer’s Society and Alzheimer’s Research UK joined as founding partners in early 2016. The UK DRI wouldn't exist without the generous support of several organisations and individuals through our charity partners and host universities. We are fortunate to receive many donations and every pound goes to helping our researchers in conquering dementia

Our founding funders

UK DRI's principal funder, The Medical Research Council is at the forefront of scientific discovery to improve human health. Founded in 1913 to tackle tuberculosis, the MRC now invests taxpayers’ money in some of the best medical research in the world across every area of health. Thirty-one MRC-funded researchers have won Nobel prizes in a wide range of disciplines, and MRC scientists have been behind such diverse discoveries as vitamins, the structure of DNA and the link between smoking and cancer, as well as achievements such as pioneering the use of randomised controlled trials, the invention of MRI scanning, and the development of a group of antibodies used in the making of some of the most successful drugs ever developed. Today, MRC-funded scientists tackle some of the greatest health problems facing humanity in the 21st century, from the rising tide of chronic diseases associated with ageing to the threats posed by rapidly mutating micro-organisms. The MRC is now part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).

Alzheimer’s Research UK is the UK’s leading dementia research charity. It is dedicated to diagnosis, prevention, treatment and cure. The charity’s vision is a world where people are free from the fear, harm and heartbreak of dementia. Backed by passionate scientists and supporters, it funds and delivers pioneering research across the UK and beyond. With a Research Network of over 2,000 scientists, and key research initiatives aimed at delivering new treatments, preventions and improved diagnosis. They provide trusted information about dementia to people affected and their families, helping improve understanding around the condition and the potential for research to change lives.

Alzheimer’s Research UK campaigns to keep dementia research on the political agenda, working to ensure government funding for research is a priority and that the environment is right for biomedical research into dementia to succeed. The charity is building a social movement behind the cause, connecting with thousands of people who are helping to make breakthroughs possible.

As a founding funder and strategic partner Alzheimer’s Research UK supports the broad range of groundbreaking research across the UK DRI.

Alzheimer’s Society is the UK’s leading support and research charity for people with dementia, their families and carers. Dementia affects over 900,000 people in the UK. The Society provides information and support to people with any form of dementia and their carers through our publications, National Dementia Helpline, website and our innovative Dementia Connect support service throughout England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Alzheimer’s Society influences politicians and policy-makers, and campaigns for better quality of life for people living with dementia and their carers, including a greater understanding of dementia. Alzheimer’s Society has been a funder of innovative dementia research for over 30 years and today funds research that focuses on improving diagnosis, finding new treatments and improving the care and support that is available for people living with dementia. The Society’s pioneering research programme works in collaboration with scientists and people affected by dementia to ensure that the medical and social research programmes the Society funds address the greatest challenges in dementia research. The Society is a proud founding funder of the UK DRI and as a funding partner supports the care and technology and diagnosis programmes at the UK DRI.

Our donors

Find out more about our donors and, if you would like to make a donation yourself, please see full information on the 'to donate' page.