Become part of the next generation of dementia researchers
Fully funded PhD opportunities in Alzheimer's research
The Alzheimer's Society Doctoral Training Centre for Vascular and Immune Contributors to Dementia (VIDA) is a multi-institutional partnership including The University of Manchester funded by the Alzheimer's Society.
The programme supports the next generation of dementia researchers with fully funded PhDs to understand the vascular and immune contributors to dementia.
Vascular and Immune Contributors to Dementia (VIDA)
Commencing in 2025, the Alzheimer's Society VIDA DTC will train 29 PhD students over eight years with researchers using cutting-edge science to understand the mechanisms behind how dementia develops, to find new treatments and new approaches that will ultimately improve the lives of those affected by dementia.
All researchers will have supervisors from at least two of the institutions that make up VIDA: The University of Manchester, the University of Edinburgh, Imperial College London, and St George’s University of London.
About the programme
Funding
These PhD opportunities are open to UK nationals and will cover UK tuition fees, a tax free stipend at the Alzheimer's Society set rate of £19,500 (2024/25) per year, and £5,000 per year for research expenses/consumable plus £500 per year for travel to conferences.
Cohort
Join a cohort of PhD students at Manchester and collaborate with researchers at other institutes across the UK throughout the programme including an induction week at the beginning of the programme, annual conferences, and residential workshop retreats.
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Opportunities
Participate in public engagement activities with the Alzheimer’s Society and their Research Volunteers Network, and benefit from a placement opportunity with an industry partner during third year and the chance to supervise a placement student to develop teaching and leadership skills.
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Available projects
Pursue your research passion
Projects for 2025/26 entry are now closed. Applications for 2026/27 entry will open later in 2025.
You can include up to two projects in your single application.
Eligibility
Entry requirements
This programme is open to home and international applicants that have obtained, or are about to obtain, a First or Upper Second class UK honours degree, or the equivalent qualifications gained outside the UK, in an appropriate area as detailed in the project advert.
Equality, diversity and inclusion
We welcome applications from all backgrounds and seek to create equality of opportunity for all our applicants and postgraduate researchers. See our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion statement for more information.
How to apply
Step-by-step guide to applying
Applications for 2025/26 are now closed. Applications for 2026/27 entry will open later in 2025.
To make an application for our Alzheimer's Doctoral Training Centre follow the step-by-step guide below.
You can apply for up to two projects in your single online application and all relevant supporting documents - including your supporting statement - must be submitted prior to the application deadline.
Further information on applying can be found on our How to apply page.
Before you apply you should have:
- Checked you're eligible for the programme
- Found a VIDA DTC project you're passionate about
- Contacted and spoken to the supervisor listed on the project
- Prepared your supporting documents, references, certificates and transcripts
Further information can be found on our dedicated 'Before you apply' page.
When applying, ensure you select the following:
- Level of Study: select 'Postgraduate Research'
- Entry year: Select the academic year you wish to study in. For example, September 2025 is in the 2025/26 academic year.
- Intake: Select 'September' (Note: this programme starts from 1 October 2025)
For the funding sources section you should include:
- Funding: Select 'Yes' from the drop-down
- Type of Funding: 'Uni of Manchester scheme'
- Awarding Body: VIDA DTC
- Status of Funding: Awarded
- Funding covers: – Fully Funded
- Leave the remaining boxes blank
Further information on completing an application can be found on our How to apply page.
Key dates for 2025/26 entry were:
- Projects advertised: W/C 18 November 2024
- Applications open: W/C 18 November 2024
- Application deadline: Friday, 20 December 2024
- Interviews: W/C 3 March 2025
Applications must be submitted by the deadline, late and incomplete applications will not be considered.
Contact us
Have any questions? Get in touch.
If you have a question about our Alzheimer's Society Doctoral Training Centre, please email our Doctoral Academy Admissions team: