We fund clinical (scientific) research towards finding a cure. We also fund new and exciting projects designed to increase the understanding of the challenges faced by those living with Crohn’s and Colitis, and to improve their lives.

These projects could be aiming to provide a better understanding of the causes or mechanisms of Crohn’s or Colitis, or looking to find better treatments, including surgery.  We also fund projects projects that look into the social and psychological impact of Crohn's or Colitis, including research into ways of helping patients and their families to live well. This would also include projects with the potential to drive up standards of care for people with Crohn’s and Colitis.

The ultimate goal of most of the medical research we fund is looking to prevent or find a cure for Crohn’s or Colitis. However, the work actually taking place is rarely as glamorous or headline-grabbing as 'finding the answer’. Crohn’s and Colitis are complex and difficult to treat diseases, with a range of symptoms. It is likely that there is not a single cure or solution, just as there often does not seem to be a single cause or reason why someone has developed Crohn’s or Colitis.

Who we fund

Crohn's & Colitis UK will consider applications from teams working in established universities, medical centres and research organisations. Our preferred strategy is to fund smaller research projects that can form an initial or pilot project that can later be expanded. We also aim to provide awards for research which needs initial funding in order to attract 'match-funding' from other organisations.

Accountability

The Board of Trustees agree a programme of grants in any financial year according to funds available.

The Research Strategy and Funding Committee (RSFC) takes delegated responsibility on behalf of the Board of Trustees for the research strategy, its delivery and all funding streams, ensuring that there is a framework for accountability and that the charity is working within appropriate legal and ethical boundaries to fund research of the highest quality and of greatest benefit to people with IBD.

The RSFC is chaired by a Trustee of Crohn’s and Colitis UK and includes the Chairs of both the Medical and Improving Lives Research Awards Panels. Other members are appointed by the Trustees to include lay representation and reflect a fair balance of experience, academic and scientific disciplines. Potential beneficiaries may not be present when decisions are made.

This Committee makes recommendations to the Trustees on final grant funding allocations, based on strategic priorities and an assessment of grant applications made against agreed criteria by the Awards Panels.

Grant management

Grant holders must be employed by a recognised research centre within the UK, and agree to supervise the research project in line with the Universities UK - Concordat to Support Research Integrity (pdf)

A formal agreement covering the terms of the Grant is made between Crohn’s and Colitis UK and the Grant holder. A Final Report must be submitted following completion of the project, including a lay summary. Annual interim reports are required for projects which extend over a period of one year.

Further detailed information of the full procedures and processes for research management can be obtained from the Research Team at research@crohnsandcolitis.org.uk