2 stage application process  

Status: OPEN.

Funding available: UNCAPPED.  

Type of grant: Research Programme, Project grant, Innovative grant, Research Fellowship, PhD studentship and combinations thereof (reference Guidance for Applicants document, see below).   

Open date: 1 July, 2025.   

Closing date: 2 September 2025, 10:00 (GMT+1).   

Outcome notification: October 2025.   

Stage 2 submission deadline: December 2025.   

Outcome notification: February 2026.

Coeliac UK would like to invite researchers to apply for an uncapped grant via a two stage application process for the first time ever.  Research has always been at the heart of Coeliac UK because it has the potential to improve the lives of everyone living with coeliac disease. The purpose of this research call is to determine what research is required and to let the evidence gaps guide how much money is required, rather than funding limits restricting and dictating what research may be achieved. Applicants are encouraged to be ambitious.  

Researchers may apply for a grant of no maximum value. Coeliac UK may offer none, all, or part of the money requested. The funds offered will be dependent on a number of factors and at Coeliac UK’s discretion following the review process outlined in detail below. Applications should be linked to our research strategy, and applications outside of these priorities will also be considered.    

For 2025, Coeliac UK is introducing a two stage application process.   

1. The research call opens, inviting applicants to submit research proposal ‘concept notes’ up to maximum of 1200 words which summarise the proposed project and state the funds required to carry out the work.  
2. The ‘concept notes’ will be considered by Coeliac UK’s Research Awards Panel in a meeting. Successful applicants will then be invited to submit a full application.  
3. Full applications will undergo external peer and lay review.   
4. All reviews will be considered by Coeliac UK’s Research Awards Panel in a meeting. Recommendations for funding will then be presented to Coeliac UK’s Board of Trustees for ratification. Successful applicants will be awarded funding. 

We welcome applications from Principal Investigators from around the globe and collaborations across disciplines and conditions, where appropriate, are strongly encouraged. We aim to provide equal opportunities and support for researchers from a diverse spectrum of backgrounds.  

We ask that where relevant, research involves those that are affected by coeliac disease at every stage of the process: planning, managing, designing and disseminating research. This aims to ensure outcomes are relevant and impactful. Projects must be able to demonstrate the potential translatable benefits to the coeliac community.   

If you have any questions or would like to discuss a potential application, please contact our Research Team, using the online enquiry form.  

Previous grant round success rates:   

• Our 2022 project call had a success rate of 50%. 
• Our 2023 project call had a success rate of 40%. 
• Our 2023 sponsored dissertation call had a success rate of 40%. 
• Our 2024 sponsored dissertation call had a success rate of 200%.