Thanks to the incredible generosity of our supporters, Coeliac UK was able to provide funding for 12 dietitians to attend the 20th International Coeliac Disease Symposium (ICDS), held in the UK for the first time at the end of last year. In light of the ongoing challenges with NHS funding, which limit training opportunities for healthcare professionals, this was a particularly meaningful achievement.
By enabling these dietitians to join the world’s leading coeliac disease specialists, your donations have helped them access the latest scientific research and best practices. These valuable insights are now being shared with fellow health professionals, benefiting many more patients.
One of the attending dietitians, Justice Kofi Amegashie, a gastroenterology specialist dietitian from Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Swindon, shared his thoughts on the experience:
“The chance to attend such a prestigious international conference was invaluable and not something I would have been able to access without the Coeliac UK bursary. It really was a transformative experience as it provided a rare opportunity to hear from experts around the globe, explore the latest research and advancements in coeliac disease, and bring this knowledge back to share with my colleagues. The insights I gained are already influencing our practice, leading to improved care for the patients we serve.”
Since it is unlikely that this conference will return to the UK during the working careers of many current dietitians, the opportunity to attend was truly unique. With your help, these early-career professionals have expanded their knowledge, which will positively impact coeliac care for years to come.
But it doesn’t stop there. Coeliac UK is committed to supporting an even wider network of over 1,300 health professionals. Partly funded by donations, we offer free Coeliac UK membership to any health professional. No other organisation is producing the specialist information or providing the training and resources that these professionals need, not only for their own education but also to share with their patients.
Looking Ahead: 2025 Coeliac UK Research Conference
While the 21st International Coeliac Disease Symposium (ICDS) will be held in Melbourne, Australia, in 2026, we are excited to announce our own 2025 Coeliac UK Research Conference. Taking place in London in June, this event will gather around 200 delegates passionate about improving the lives of people with coeliac disease. It promises to be an unparalleled opportunity for UK-based professionals to exchange knowledge and collaborate on the latest advancements in care.
For more information on the 2025 conference and to watch insightful Patient Forum talks from last year’s ICDS, visit:
ICDS Patient Forum