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Apr 7 , 2025
A new study, backed by a share of £7.6 million in funding, is set to explore the link between gut health and frailty in later life.
Led by researchers at the University of Aberdeen the project aims to identify changes in the gut microbiota that occur with age and may contribute to increased illness.
Frailty heightens vulnerability to infections and inflammatory conditions such as cancer diabetes and cardiovascular disease. While frail older adults face a much higher risk of death and disability the reasons why some individuals develop frailty and others do not remain unclear.
The microbiota comprising bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microorganisms found in our intestines play a vital role in regulating the immune system. However, as we age, the composition of this microbiota shifts.
Researchers at the University of Aberdeen will work to identify the specific changes in gut microbiota that occur in later life and how these may contribute to frailty.
This project is among 62 initiatives across 41 UK universities awarded a share of £7.6 million through the Academy of Medical Sciences’ Springboard programme its largest funding round to date. The initiative supports early-career researchers tackling pressing health issues.
Dr. Candice Quin a Lecturer in Immunology at the University of Aberdeen received £125,000 to advance her work on understanding frailty in older adults.
“There is a pressing need to ease the economic, social, and personal impact of frailty in our ageing population yet we currently lack effective treatments said Dr. Quin. “Our research has shown that age-related changes in the gut microbiome are linked to frailty offering a promising new target for therapeutic development.
The proposed experiments in this Springboard-funded project aim to identify new microbial targets that contribute to age-related frailty. These specific microbes could potentially be reduced or eliminated in future intervention studies and clinical trials. Previous research has already shown that microbiota-based vaccination can enhance metabolism and reduce diet-induced obesity.
This work will lay the foundation for innovative strategies to combat frailty ultimately helping older adults enjoy more years of healthy and independent living said Dr. Quin.
She will carry out the research in partnership with Dr. Marius Wenzel from the School of Biological Sciences and Dr. Huan Cao from the School of Medicine Medical Sciences and Nutrition.
Professor James Naismith FRS FRSE FMedSci Vice-President (Non-Clinical) at the Academy of Medical Sciences added:This record-breaking funding round reflects our strong commitment to nurturing the next generation of research leaders. By supporting these promising early-career scientists, we’re not only tackling today’s most pressing health issues but also reinforcing the UK’s role as a global leader in medical research.The Academy’s Springboard programme is funding a wide range of ambitious projects from teenage drinking to gender disparities in Alzheimer’s highlighting innovative research with real-world health impact. Each awardee brings fresh insights aimed at improving public health outcomes. The Academy remains committed to supporting early-career scientists with both funding and mentorship. UK Science Minister Lord Vallance emphasized the programme’s role in empowering young researchers to tackle urgent health issues and drive medical innovation.