DEM-COMM programme

Building Capacity in Dementia Research

DEM-COMM is a capacity-building scheme for post-doctoral researchers working in applied dementia research. The scheme launched on October 1st, 2022, with funding from the National Institute for Health and Care Research and the Alzheimer’s Society, and will run until March 31st, 2026.

The aim of DEM-COMM is to prepare a future cohort of researchers for the role of Chief Investigator in applied dementia research. This is an important and specialised role that carries with it the expectation that the lives of people living with (or at risk of) dementia will improve because of research.

The scheme supports the development of 60 early to mid-career researchers working in one of the 15 Applied Research Collaborations (ARCs) across England.

Latest Blog from Ruth - DEM-COMM in Geneva

Independent report on Mapping Dementia Research Capacity - Mapping career development opportunities in applied dementia research

DEM-COMM is led by Professor Ruth Bartlett with ARC Wessex as the host and coordinating centre.

DEM-COMM Group Winter School - group of dementia researchers standing outside a stately home

We organise and create opportunities for this cohort of researchers to collaborate and develop capacities in applied dementia research. To date, this has included a Winter School (see image above), webinars, a joint networking event with the Three Schools Dementia Programme, facilitating the establishment of 12 Special Interest Groups, and creating an internship scheme to develop even more capacity.

In May 2025, we are organising a National Festival of Applied Dementia Research. This will create opportunities for the DEM-COMM cohort to engage with people outside academia, including people living with dementia, carers, and service providers.

NHS

Dorset Integrated Care System (ICS) Hampshire and Isle of Wight Integrated Care System (ICS)
NHS Trusts

Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Isle of Wight NHS Trust Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust
Universities

Bournemouth University University of Portsmouth University of Southampton University of Winchester
Research partners

Health Innovation Wessex (formerly Wessex Academic Health Sciences Network)