HRB invests a further €1 million into collaborative dementia network

Posted on: 31 July 2025

A new investment through the Health Research Board (HRB)’s Collaborative Research Networks Scheme will provide Dementia Research Network Ireland (DRNI) with crucial resources to expand their work, extend their reach and sustain their impact into the future. DRNI works to support and facilitate collaborative and interdisciplinary research in dementia and neurodegeneration. The network seeks to integrate the clinical, basic and social sciences to bring about a demonstrable impact on research, knowledge translation and policy development.

Established in 2012, DRNI aims to facilitate, support and promote interdisciplinary collaboration between academics, policy actors and experts across the island of Ireland and internationally in dementia and neurodegenerative research. DRNI also supports early career researchers in the area of dementia and neurodegenerative research.

Professor Seán Kennelly, Consultant Physician in Geriatric Medicine, Clinical Senior Lecturer in Medical Gerontology, Trinity College Dublin and Lead-Investigator for  HRB-funded research at DRNI,said:

“At a time when we are finding better ways to diagnose and manage dementia, we are delighted to receive this support from the Health Research Board for Dementia Research Network Ireland, an all-island collaborative interdisciplinary network that addresses the complex challenges of dementia.

 “Through national and international partnerships, DRNI brings together leading clinicians, scientists, policy partners, advocacy groups, and people living with dementia to accelerate innovation, support translation of research into meaningful impact, and improve the lives of those affected by dementia today and into the future.”

The HRB’s Collaborative Research Networks Scheme reinforces an ongoing commitment to collaboration in research, and is designed to advance collaborative and interdisciplinary research, as well as its translation into policy and practice to tackle key health and social care challenges across the island of Ireland.

Commenting on the funding, Dr Mairéad O’Driscoll, Chief Executive of the HRB, said:

“Our investment in these networks will help drive progress, advance innovation and support pioneering research partnerships in dementia and palliative care.’

“The HRB’s €1 million funding to DRNI will help it grow its regional, cross-border and international work, and also extend into new areas of significant value to dementia research in Ireland.”

Catherine Gill, Programme Manager for Targeted Programmes at the HRB, said:

“This new round of funding builds on the successes of existing HRB-funded networks. It represents a significant increase in investment and duration for both networks and will enhance their ability to build capacity and drive research that has a real impact on people’s lives.”

You can find out more about DRNI by visiting this link: Home | Dementia Research Network Ireland

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