Area of investment and support

Area of investment and support: Microbiome and health

This area supports research into the role of the microbiome in the maintenance of health and the development of disease. We encourage a wide range of projects, from mechanistic studies through to more translational approaches that support the development of new health interventions.

Partners involved:
Medical Research Council (MRC)

The scope and what we're doing

In recent years we have seen an increased interest in the role of the microbiome in the maintenance of health and the development of disease. This is an exciting new area of health research.

The Medical Research Council (MRC) already supports some microbiome research through the Population and Systems Medicine Board but encourages a wider range of applications, from mechanistic studies through to more translational approaches that support the development of new health interventions.

Examples include:

  • studies linking changes in the microbiome with health, resilience or disease at key stages of the life course
  • exploring links between the microbiome, immune and nutritional status, and response to treatment
  • the health benefits of personalised microbiome management
  • identification of microbial metabolites as prodromal markers of human disease
  • development of improved animal models to establish causality and investigate disease processes.

Opportunities, support and resources available

Funding opportunities

You can apply for microbiome and health funding through multiple routes. For example, you can apply for standard grants through the boards and panels appropriate to the remit of your research.

Standard (sometimes known as ‘responsive’ or ‘open’) funding opportunities are open to a wide range of research and approaches within MRC’s remit.

Find out more about the types of funding we offer.

Search for current funding opportunities.

Resources

Challenges in studying the microbiome.

Guidance for applicants submitting proposals relating to the microbiome.

Who to contact

Population and Systems Medicine Board

Email: psmb@mrc.ukri.org

Last updated: 9 February 2024

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