Coeliac UK, the charity for people who need to live gluten free, along with Innovate UK have £180,000 available for research and are inviting applications from UK businesses and researchers.
They are launching a second research call to industry and researchers to make improvements for people living with the autoimmune condition, coeliac disease. Projects must underpin and support Coeliac UK's top ten research priorities, which include:
- improving diagnostics for coeliac disease, refractory coeliac disease and/or gluten related neurological conditions
- developing tools for the long-term management of coeliac disease
- enhancing the quality of staple gluten free food
Total project costs can range from £50,000 to £250,000 and researchers and businesses can jointly apply for a share of the funding up to the maximum £180,000 available. Applications close on 16 September 2019 at 10:00.
Hilary Croft, CEO of Coeliac UK said: “We want to change the course of coeliac disease treatment through improved diagnostics, technology and food innovations that truly bridge the gap between people, health professionals and products. Research has the power to do this and by combining forces with Innovate UK and industry, our charity demonstrates its unwavering commitment to the UK’s growing gluten free community."
Earlier this year, three projects based in Birmingham, Newcastle and Edinburgh, were awarded Coeliac UK / Innovate UK grants from the first joint research call. Including the contribution from industry, a total £750k was committed to research.
- A new test to provide a less invasive way of diagnosing coeliac disease that may not rely on someone having to eat ongoing amounts of gluten if they have already adopted a gluten free diet.
- Development of three new plant proteins derived from crops, which are underused in the UK: rapeseed cake, faba beans and naked oats, to help improve the ingredients used in gluten free bread.
- Software innovation to help in the ongoing management of coeliac disease, so that those who need additional care receive access to support when they need it and those living well can receive the assurance of being clinically followed up without hospital appointments.
Kathryn Miller, innovation lead for Food and Nutrition at Innovate UK, said: “It’s fantastic to be working with charities such as Coeliac UK to promote innovations that will have a real, positive impact on people’s lives. Innovate UK has long supported businesses innovating in the areas of healthcare diagnostics, digital support and enhancing nutritional quality of foods, themes already supported through joint Coeliac UK / Innovate UK funding awarded earlier this year.”
