Founded in 2012, DRNI is an all-island dementia research network that works to support and facilitate collaborative interdisciplinary research integrating the basic clinical and social sciences to bring about a demonstrable impact on dementia research, knowledge translation and policy development. In this application, our proposed work plan has four work packages which both continue DRNI’s current work and also introduces many new initiatives.
WP1 will focus on network activity, outreach, and communication. This includes dissemination and carrying out annual engagement and outreach activities. The WP includes Early Career Researcher activities, which now has the addition of a mentor programme. Finally, WP1 will also see a series of Regional Hub events, where networking events will be held on a regional level across Ireland.
WP2 focuses on international cooperation, whereby DRNI will concentrate on funding opportunities and building relationships with affiliated networks and agencies in the EU, UK and beyond. A scoping review will take place to identify strategic international dementia research networks.
WP3 is dedicated to North/South cooperation, and will look specifically for cross-border collaborative opportunities, will host annual North-South symposia, and establish a cross-border exchange programme.
WP4 focuses on challenges to areas of identified need. One such area is brain health, and will see a focus on brain health advice, and the future of brain health services in both jurisdictions. Brain health for people with Down Syndrome and other Intellectual Disabilities is another focus of the WP. In addition, collaborating closely with regional hubs and relevant stakeholders, WP4 will work towards a cross-national consensus on an agreed minimum data set and sample register for research centres with samples/biobanks. Finally, WP4 will also look at various aspects of how to support people to live well with dementia, specifically in relation to housing, and to remaining active in the community.