Dr. Richard Horniblow, Associate Professor in Gastrointestinal Biomedical Science at the University of Birmingham has received £111,000 from Bowel Research UK to study the composition of faecal microbiota transplants (FMT) and their potential as a groundbreaking treatment for gut-related diseases.

This funding is part of Bowel Research UK’s first dedicated microbiome research grant round which has awarded over £330,000 to four pioneering projects across the UK. These studies aim to deepen understanding of the gut microbiome the diverse community of bacteria, viruses, and fungi in the digestive system and its role in health and disease.

With bowel cancer rates rising among adults under 50, experts link this trend to shifts in diet, lifestyle and excessive antibiotic use, all of which impact the gut microbiome. Despite growing interest in its influence on health microbiome research remains underfunded.

Dr. Richard Horniblow expressed his gratitude to Bowel Research UK for its support emphasizing that the funding will help uncover how the gut microbiome affects bowel health and why FMT is so effective. Our goal is to develop targeted treatments for intestinal diseases ultimately transforming patient care he said.  

This grant round marks a major milestone for Bowel Research UK following its fundraising campaign launched at the gold award-winning RHS Chelsea Flower Show garden in May 2024 which highlighted the link between gut health the environment and overall well-being.  

Professor Tariq Iqbal Director of the University of Birmingham’s Microbiome Treatment Centre noted that their facility enables an in-depth study of FMT helping to identify its key components and improve treatment accessibility.  

Lindsay Easton Chief Executive of Bowel Research UK stressed the charity’s commitment to supporting early-career researchers who bring fresh ideas to ongoing challenges. The high caliber of applications in this grant round reflects the growing importance of microbiome research in shaping future bowel cancer and disease treatments he said.  

Dr. James Kinross, the charity’s microbiome clinical expert highlighted that while gut microbiome research has gained attention it remains underfunded. These grants will significantly enhance our understanding of the microbiome and improve patient outcomes he added.  

Dr. Horniblow’s study aims to deepen scientific knowledge of how FMT works paving the way for more effective treatments and better care for patients with gut-related conditions.

Source: https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/news/2025/new-funding-for-groundbreaking-gut-microbiome-study-to-fight-bowel-cancer-and-bowel-disease-1