Coeliac UK funds three new research projects

March 30, 2023

Coeliac UK is delighted to confirm the funding for three new research projects which are set to begin in Autumn 2023.

Thanks to your generous response to our Research Fund appeal in Spring 2022, we were able to hold a research call. After a robust peer review process, we are delighted to announce that we have awarded a total of £437,000 to three research projects, due to begin in Autumn 2023.

The projects selected for funding were based on the assessments from Coeliac UK’s Research Awards Panel, independent professional peer reviewers and those of you who participated in our Member Review Panel.

The three projects awarded funds are:

Understanding immune interactions in coeliac disease

The £250k grant from our basic science research call was awarded to a research team led by Prof Paul Klenerman, University of Oxford. They will look at how the immune cells in the guts of people with coeliac disease interact with each other, with and without the presence of gluten. They hope to gain a greater understanding of the disease process and to potentially identify new targets for diagnosis and treatment.

Psychological support for children and young people with coeliac disease

We have awarded £30k to Dr Rose-Marie Satherley, University of Surrey, whose research team will explore and develop resources for psychological support for children and young people with coeliac disease. Although awareness of coeliac disease is increasing, many children and young people still struggle with the social implications and following a gluten free diet.

Understanding gluten ataxia

Prof Marios Hadjivassiliou, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield was granted £157k. In collaboration with four specialist ataxia centres across the UK, he aims to improve the diagnosis and management of gluten ataxia. Gluten ataxia is a neurological disorder that causes a loss of coordination, poor balance, slurring of speech, a tendency to fall and, if left untreated, wheelchair dependency.

For further information on any of the projects please visit the current research section of our website.