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Guts UK announces new Pancreatitis Research Funding Call to accelerate life-saving breakthroughs
Guts UK, the national charity for the digestive system, has joined forces with the British Society of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (BSPGHAN), Cystic Fibrosis Trust and the Pancreatic Society of Great Britain & Ireland (PSGBI) to fund three research grants aimed at accelerating vital research into pancreatitis.
The new research funding call is designed to transform the landscape of pancreatitis research in the UK and Ireland. This collaborative initiative underscores a shared commitment to improve understanding, treatment and long-term outcomes for people affected by these painful and often life-threatening conditions.
Despite the significant and often devastating impact the condition can have on those affected, pancreatitis has long been underfunded and undervalued. Pancreatitis is a priority area for Guts UK, who delivered a Priority Setting Partnership (PSP) into pancreatitis in 2022 to identify the top ten research priorities for the condition.
A bold investment in pancreatitis researchÂ
The new funding call invites researchers across the UK to submit high‑quality proposals that address the research priorities identified by the Pancreatitis Priority Setting Partnership to deepen understanding of the conditions, improve diagnosis and pave the way for more effective treatments.Â
Why this mattersÂ
Dr Lynn Turner, Head of Research at Guts UK, emphasises the importance of this investment:Â
Pancreatitis has been overlooked for far too long. People affected by these conditions deserve answers, a better quality of life and genuine hope for the future. This funding call represents our commitment to driving the breakthroughs they need.
The charity’s long‑standing commitment to pancreatitis includes previous Amelie Waring career development awards and the Priority Setting Partnership, the UK’s largest survey of people affected by acute and chronic pancreatitis. This new call builds on that foundation, expanding opportunities for researchers to tackle unanswered questions about these conditions.Â
Key details for applicantsÂ
Researchers are invited to apply for one of three co‑funded grants, each offering up to £60,000 in support. Please see individual grant information below or learn more about the scope, eligibility requirements, and application process here. The closing date for applications is Thursday, 30 July 2026, 12 noon.Â
BSPGHAN/Guts UK Pancreatitis Research Grant
This grant will support research focused on paediatric pancreatitis. Find out more about this grant and how to apply here.
Cystic Fibrosis Trust/Guts UK Pancreatitis Research Grant
This grant will support research into pancreatitis that is directly relevant to and has potential benefit for people with cystic fibrosis with a complication of pancreatitis. Find out more about this grant and how to apply here.Â
PSGBI/Guts UK Pancreatitis Research Grant
This grant will support research and innovation by established researchers in all areas of pancreatitis within the UK and Ireland. Find out more about this grant and how to apply here.
A future with answersÂ
By launching this new Pancreatitis Research Funding Call, Guts UK and its partners are delivering on its vision of a world where digestive conditions are better understood, better treated and everyone who lives with one gets the support they need.Â
Dr James Ashton, Chair of BSPGHAN Research Committee, says:
We still have much to learn about the causes and impact of pancreatitis in children. Younger people and their families want earlier diagnosis, more treatment options and better care. This funding call represents our commitment to accelerating the breakthroughs they deserve.
Lorna Allen, Senior Involvement Manager at Cystic Fibrosis Trust, adds:
Pancreatic function is compromised for most people with cystic fibrosis, and for some, it develops into painful and debilitating pancreatitis. Understanding more about pancreatitis could improve preventive measures, monitoring, early treatment options and outcomes, increasing quality of life for people affected. This funding call demonstrates our ongoing commitment to improving the lives of everyone with cystic fibrosis.
Professor Christopher M Halloran, Treasurer of PSGBI, shared:Â
The Pancreatic Society of Great Britain and Ireland is delighted to co-fund, with Guts UK, an exciting grant opportunity for pancreatitis research.
Guts UK’s research priorities
Guts UK is the only UK charity to fund research into conditions affecting all parts of the digestive system. Under our new strategy, we will specifically focus on neglected and underfunded digestive conditions where we feel we can make the biggest difference, including pancreatitis. Find out more about our priorities and research strategy here.
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