A groundbreaking UK research network has been launched to uncover how the microbiota, gut, immune system and brain are inter-connected and how they can influence mental wellbeing.
Work from the research network could potentially lead to new treatments for conditions like anxiety, depression and dementia.
A growing body of research suggests the microbiota, gut, brain and immune system constantly communicate and play a critical role in mood, cognitive function and chronic illness. But scientists do not yet fully understand how.
The UK Gut-Immune-Brain Axis Network+ is the first in the UK to unite experts from across research disciplines to investigate these links.
New and evidence-based strategies
The project will run for four years and has received £4.5 million in funding from the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC). It will support the development of new interdisciplinary research teams, provide funding, mobility, and training opportunities, as well as pathways to maximise the impact of the research.
The network is run by researchers from the University of Southampton, University of Cambridge, King’s College London and the Quadram Institute.
It is led by Professor Jonathan Swann of the University of Southampton.
He said:
“This new network will bring together expertise from across the UK to help us dive deeper into these diverse connections and help us investigate untapped areas of research such as the link between poor gut health and dementia in older age, the microbial role in infant brain development, and even their contribution to autism and ADHD.”
Professor Anne Ferguson-Smith, Executive Chair of the BBSRC, said:
“This research network will help us uncover how the gut microbiome, immune responses, and brain function interact – leading to new, evidence-based strategies to improve well-being across all stages of life.”
Launch event in Southampton
The network is inviting anyone with an interest in the gut-immune-brain axis and participating in research and knowledge exchange to sign-up to join the network.
Although the network is UK-focused, members also welcome those outside of the UK to sign up.
UK-based researchers and stakeholders from all disciplines and backgrounds are invited to book their place at the Network’s launch event at the Southampton Harbour Hotel on Monday 22nd September.
For more information on the Network, visit giba-uk.org.