Information for Researchers

Advancing research is a key strategic priority for the Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia. Our Research & Advocacy department oversees this work with the support of our Research Advisory Committee of Nova Scotians experts in dementia research. We regularly collaborate with researchers from project proposal to putting research findings into action.

What types of research do we support?

We support researchers across a broad range of disciplines and areas of focus. These include research investigating mechanisms underlying dementia, searching for treatments, examining health and social care systems, and aiming to enhance the lives of those affected by dementia. We require the following criteria to be met to consider supporting a research project:

Project conducted at an accredited Canadian university, or university-affiliated hospital or clinic. We do not engage with market or industry research.
Project focuses on or has clear relevance to Nova Scotians affected by dementia.

All projects are reviewed carefully before we proceed with any collaboration or support, and we reserve the right to decline supporting a project if it does not align with our priorities. We strongly encourage researchers to meaningfully engage people with lived experience of dementia in the research process. Learn more about meaningful engagement and download the Alzheimer Society of Canada's resource guide here.

What support can we offer?

We support and collaborate with researchers by offering the following in-kind support:

Promoting study recruitment through our newsletters, social media, website, and events
Partnering on grant applications as knowledge users, community partners, and/or providing letters of support/collaboration
Facilitation knowledgeable staff participation on project advisory committees
Supporting recruitment of people with lived experience to sit on project advisory committees
Disseminating knowledge translation materials and research takeaways through our various networks and channels

Research Recruitment Parameters

As a service provider, client privacy and confidentiality are our top priorities. We never provide client information to researchers, and we do not recruit participants for research studies directly within our client programs or Helpline. We will, however, spread awareness of studies openly recruiting through our established communication channels, reaching thousands of people who are affected by dementia and those who support them.

To have your study recruitment listed nationally, please apply at the ⁠Alzheimer Society Research Portal.

Funding

At this time, ASNS offers funding to student and postdoctoral researchers through our annual Student Research Awards competition. ASNS additionally contributes annually to the ⁠Alzheimer Society Research Program, which invests millions of dollars in dementia research across Canada each year.

How can researchers get in touch with us?

Researchers interested in collaborating can contact Research & Evaluation Lead, Marco Redden, at marco.redden@asns.ca. Given the high volume of requests we receive, we encourage researchers to contact us regarding new projects at least 10 business days in advance of deadlines.