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‘Potentially transformative’ grant funding available to Scotland’s Gastroenterology researchers
The NHS Research Scotland (NRS) Gastroenterology Specialty Group has urged interested parties to apply for ‘potentially transformative’ grant funding
The group — which is focussed on research into the common chronic inflammatory bowel diseases, Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis — believes it is an excellent opportunity which could lead to life-changing breakthroughs.
The support, available from charity Crohn's & Colitis UK, is offering significant grants of up to £150,000 for as long as three years to fund research into Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, or other types of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).
NRS Gastroenterology Specialty Lead, Professor Daniel Gaya said: “Scotland has one of the highest rates of IBD in the UK, causing chronic inflammation, fatigue, and significant anxiety to sufferers.
“Research highlights a complex interplay of environmental, genetic, and immune factors, but there is still much progress to be made in understanding that and how to develop effective treatments from it.
“Grant funding, like that offered by Crohn’s & Colitis UK, can help to accelerate such vital progress in Scotland amid a shift towards earlier, more personalised treatments based on the individual's unique molecular profile, as well as the greater drive to identify preventative measures.”
The group’s Performance Manager, Madeleine Bayne added: “We believe this to be a fantastic opportunity to source potentially transformative funding which could change lives both here in Scotland and across the world.
“Indeed, with common chronic inflammatory bowel diseases affecting up to 1% of the population in Europe, now is the time to take advantage.”
The charity’s ‘Targeted Call Research Awards’ welcome proposals from a range of professionals working in IBD diagnosis, follow-up, rehabilitation, and care, while encompassing the full breadth of IBD research.
It will also consider applications for smaller or innovative projects, including feasibility and pilot studies, as well as mainstream research.
Crohn’s & Colitis UK said: “We particularly encourage applications that build understanding of IBD, strengthen diagnosis and monitoring, improve care, or explore the impact of the conditions on people living with IBD.”
The charity’s 2026 grant call is spotlighting priority areas identified by people living with Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis in its Top 10 Impacts of Crohn’s and Colitis report.
Whilst strong proposals outside of these priorities remain eligible for funding, applications more closely aligned with them will be prioritised during assessment.
The deadline for outline applications is 12 noon, Thursday 9 April. All applications must be submitted via the charity’s Flexigrant portal. Guidance notes are also available.
If you have any queries relating to submitting an application, please email Crohn’s and Colitis UK at research@crohnsandcolitis.org.uk
The NRS Gastroenterology Specialty Group’s role is to support the delivery of high-quality clinical research in this area and manage participant recruitment to time and target, both for Gastroenterology studies which are led from Scotland, and studies led from other nations which Scottish sites are participating in.
Studies supported by the group focus on aetiology, pathogenesis, epidemiology, biomarker discovery, and clinical trials of new therapeutic approaches/strategies.
Publication date: 25th February 2026
