Dr Horniblow’s research will focus on analysing the contents of FMT, how its composition changes as it is processed into a medicinal form, and how these variations may affect its effectiveness in treating diseases associated with gut dysbiosis.
Dr Richard Horniblow, Associate Professor in Gastrointestinal Biomedical Science, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Birmingham said:
“I’m incredibly grateful to Bowel Research UK for supporting our work. This funding will help us uncover how the gut microbiome influences bowel health and why FMT is so effective. Our goal is to develop better, targeted treatments for intestinal diseases, ultimately transforming patient care.”
This grant round marks a significant milestone for Bowel Research UK, which launched a fundraising campaign for microbiome research at its gold award-winning RHS Chelsea Flower Show garden in May 2024. The garden highlighted the connection between a healthy gut, a thriving environment, and overall well-being.
Professor Tariq Iqbal, Professor of Clinical Microbiome and Director of the University of Birmingham’s Microbiome Treatment Centre, said: “With the Microbiome Treatment Centre at the University of Birmingham, we can study FMT in unprecedented detail—helping us unlock the key components driving its success and paving the way for more accessible treatments.”
Lindsay Easton, Chief Executive of Bowel Research UK, emphasised the importance of supporting early career researchers: “Our research funding focuses on early career researchers – those starting their research careers who will bring new ideas to ongoing challenges. We saw a particularly high quality of applications for this grant round, and we’re excited to be backing the microbiome experts of the future who will, no doubt, shape the way bowel cancer and bowel disease is diagnosed and treated.”
Dr James Kinross, Bowel Research UK’s microbiome clinical expert, added: “Ten years ago, research on the gut microbiome was seen as in its infancy and, despite it now being a hot topic in discussion around diet and its impact on health, it is still under-funded. These four research grants will make a huge difference in enhancing our understanding of the gut microbiome and will have a positive impact on patients in the future.”
Dr Horniblow’s study aims to advance the scientific community’s understanding of how FMT works, paving the way for more effective treatments and improving the lives of patients affected by gut-related conditions.
