£1m funding scheme announced for rare diseases

A new funding scheme to help researchers better understand rare diseases has been announced by Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity (GOSH) and medical research charity LifeArc.

Much of the research performed at GOSH and its research partner, the UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health (ICH) is focused on understanding rare diseases that affect children. The grants are primarily open to health professionals at GOSH and will support researchers deliver new therapeutics or diagnostics that have practical benefits for patients.

Up to £1 million will be available to support several grants and encourage collaborations between industry and academic partners. The grants will last up to three years for projects that address a rare disease and can clinically impact patients at GOSH.

Candidates looking for further information and help with their applications can attend a series of workshops held by GOSH Charity and LifeArc.   

Dr Catriona Crombie, philanthropic fund manager, LifeArc, said: “LifeArc’s main goal is to move innovative life science research further along its development path towards the patients who so desperately need effective treatments. LifeArc’s philanthropic activity has a particular focus on rare diseases. GOSH, with its unique patient population, wealth of expertise and aligned goals, is our ideal partner for this project.”

Dr Kiki Syrad, director of grants and impact at GOSH Charity said: “Helping to find new ways of diagnosing, treating and curing rare childhood diseases is something GOSH Charity is committed to. We’re delighted to be able to partner with an organisation like LifeArc, whose goals so closely mirror our own. This exciting joint endeavour will enable us to drive more vital research towards the clinic and the children who need it most.”