Child Development - RESEARCH

Nutrition and the Microbiome: Getting Evidence into Practice

The (neuro)development of our children is influenced by numerous factors beyond parental control. However, from the prenatal period to late childhood, parents do have a degree of control over what and how they nourish their children. While the evidence supporting the critical role of nutrition and the gut microbiome in child neurodevelopment is substantial across various domains, there remains a need for further exploration and understanding in this crucial area as well as work getting this research into practice.

What we will fund:

• Research
• Practical initiatives
• Policy work

Research

We maintain a keen interest in fostering innovative research in the following areas:

Microbiome and Neurodevelopment in Children: Exploring the intricate connection between the microbiome and neurodevelopment in children, particularly delving into the fascinating realm of the gut-brain axis during childhood.

Neurodevelopmental Disorders and the Gut: Actively seeking studies that leverage high-quality databases or support extensive collaborative or longitudinal investigations. We are particularly intrigued by potential connections with Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (PUFAs) or the impact of sleep deprivation on neurodevelopmental disorders.

Impacts of Micronutrients and Fatty Acids during Pregnancy: Investigating the effects of micronutrients and fatty acids during pregnancy and their subsequent impact on infant gut and neurodevelopment. We are eager to support research that contributes to a deeper understanding of the crucial role played by these elements in shaping early developmental trajectories.

Impacts of Breastmilk on Infant Microbiome and Brain Development in Premature Infants: Specifically focusing on the profound effects of breastmilk on the microbiome and brain development in premature infants. We are interested in supporting studies that shed light on the unique contributions of breastmilk to the intricate processes of microbiome establishment and neural growth in this vulnerable population.

Increasing Omega 3 uptake whilst considering plant-based sustainable diets: We know the planet needs the population to be eating more plant-based and sustainable diets. We also know fish consumption and omega 3 intake is incredibly important for the developing brain. What is the solution to this problem?
We welcome proposals that align with these research avenues and encourage innovative approaches to advance our understanding of the dynamic interplay between nutrition, the microbiome, and neurodevelopment at various stages of childhood.

Please see our active funding calls page for more information on the timelines for these calls.

Practical Initiatives (UK): Micronutrients and Omega-3

Over the past 15 years, our dedicated research calls have yielded positive insights. We've forged strong relationships with influential individuals and organisations, becoming advocates for the vital role of nutrition in the development of our children.
Extensive evidence underscores the crucial impact of specific nutrients, extending from the prenatal period through childhood and across the entire lifespan, particularly for brain health. Eager to translate this knowledge into action, we are now actively seeking to support projects that bring this research to the forefront.

If you are involved in a project in the UK aimed at enhancing the nutritional quality of food, with a specific focus on neurodevelopmental outcomes and its significance in child development, we invite you to reach out. Our particular areas of interest include:

• Evaluating the nutritional value of free school meals.
• Providing nutritional advice and support to:
• Pregnant mothers.
• Parents of neurodiverse and/or vulnerable children.
• Individuals working with vulnerable children in the youth justice service.

We are open to any nutrition-based project targeting these key groups (preference would be given to Wales based projects but applications are welcome from across the UK). Grant opportunities range from £10,000 to £60,000, depending on the scope and impact of the project. We are especially enthusiastic about evidence-based initiatives that will undergo evaluation and hold the potential for nationwide implementation if proven successful. Let's collaborate to make a lasting impact on the nutritional well-being of our communities.

Policy Work (UK)

In addition to our commitment to groundbreaking research, we are equally dedicated to supporting projects that aim to influence policy change in the UK. We recognise the importance of aligning strong evidence with public health policy to ensure a meaningful impact on the well-being of our communities. If your project has the potential to shape and inform policy decisions based on the robust evidence we possess, we enthusiastically invite you to contact us.
We believe that bridging the gap between research findings and policy implementation is crucial for fostering positive change in public health. Whether your focus is on nutrition, neurodevelopment, or related areas, we are eager to support initiatives that contribute to the formulation and enhancement of policies that promote the health and development of children in the UK. Let's work together to translate research insights into tangible improvements in public health policy.

If you are interested in applying to either of the Practical or Policy based grants, please email us a 1-page summary outlining your main aims and we will get back in touch as to whether we would like you to submit a full application. There is no deadline for these initial emails.