Beta Cell Therapy Translational Programme Grants

Grant funding is provided for individual and joint research projects focused on the development of approaches that will restore beta cell function in people living with type 1 diabetes. Joint initiatives can be undertaken between research group leaders based in the UK or in collaboration with partners based in Europe.

The Type 1 Diabetes Grand Challenge is a partnership between the Steve Morgan Foundation, Diabetes UK and Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation UK (JDRF UK) which offers funding to fast-track discoveries that will lead to life-changing new treatments and ultimately a cure for type 1 diabetes.

Beta Cell Therapy Translational Programme Grants are awarded by the Partnership to support researchers focusing on translation and clinical application who will improve the feasibility of beta cell replacement and regeneration for the treatment of type 1 diabetes.

Funding is available for projects led by individual group leaders (Principal Applicants) or those jointly led by up to three group leaders (Principal Applicants and one or two Joint Lead Applicants). Principal Applicants/Joint Lead Applicants should be leading their own independent research group. Multidisciplinary projects that include experts with complementary skills and research experience beyond type 1 diabetes are strongly encouraged. This may include bioengineers, clinicians, immunologists, stem cell scientists, chemists and surgeons.

This call covers two themes.

Theme 1 focuses on the design of beta cells fit for transplantation, where emphasis could be placed on the:

• Production of beta cells that will be stable after transplantation with consideration given to insulin production, cell functionality over time and cell longevity.
• Development of approaches to protect or cloak the transplanted beta cells from the immune system and prevent reactivation of the autoimmune process.

Theme 2 focuses on the approaches to regenerate beta cells, where emphasis could be placed on the:

• Stimulation of beta cell replication.
• Conversion of cell type function in the pancreas.

Applications may seek to address part of a theme, an entire theme, part of themes 1 and 2 or both themes. Views and needs of people living with type 1 diabetes, as well as equality, diversity and inclusion should be taken into account.