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UK DRI secures £1.2 million in translational research funding from UKRI

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We are pleased to announce that the UK DRI has secured £1.2 million from UK Research and Innovation’s Impact Acceleration Account (IAA) to jumpstart knowledge exchange, translation and commercialisation.

The IAA supports critical early-stage translation of UK research to real impacts, transforming public services, creating new jobs, attracting private investment and forging new partnerships with business and charities.

UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), a government body responsible for delivering £8bn research and innovation funding each year, is investing £118 million in the latest round of IAAs to translate research across 64 universities and research organisations.

The programme, now in its 10th year, has previously provided early-stage support to projects that are now established global businesses.

Translational research is a key focus for the UK DRI, so we’re really excited by this funding opportunity, which will support UK DRI researchers to turn scientific breakthroughs into effective new therapeutics, diagnostics and technologies for people living with dementia. Iraida Soria-Espinosa, UK DRI Senior Innovation and Business Manager

The total £118m IAA investment over three years focuses on maximising impact, knowledge exchange, translation, and commercialisation potential within research organisations.

An important feature of the scheme is that it empowers research organisations themselves to use the funding creatively and responsively to react to emerging opportunities.

Professor Dame Ottoline Leyser, UKRI Chief Executive, said:

"Research and innovation has the potential to improve people’s lives and livelihoods, rejuvenating communities across the UK and tackling global challenges. It is imperative that we harness that potential.

“The path between discovery and impact is not simple and so it is vital that we provide flexible support that allows talented people and teams, and world-class institutions to connect discovery to prosperity and public good.

“Our impact acceleration funding has a fantastic track-record in providing support that helps brilliant ideas become realities that make a real difference.”

Over the coming months, UK DRI researchers will receive information about how to apply in advance of the translational call opening in September.

To find out more about the UK DRI’s translational research, sign up to receive our quarterly translation newsletter.

Article published: 16 June 2022
Banner image: UK Dementia Research Institute & Alzheimer’s Society