Our Annual Report: 2023-24
Welcome from our Chair and Chief Executive
Thanks to our supporters, our funding partners, and of course our funded researchers, we committed a further £5.7 million towards vital new research in 2023/24 – the most we have ever invested during a financial year.
Following this, we now embark on a new five-year strategy – Giving hope through life-changing research – where we are pledging to invest a further £25 million in overlooked and underfunded research between 2024 and 2029. You can read more about this later.
In the meantime, we hope you enjoy reading about what we, our supporters, and our brilliant research community have achieved this year.
Professor Paul Moss OBE, Chair of the Board of Trustees, and Dr Angela Hind, Chief Executive.
Welcome from our Chair and Chief Executive
Thanks to our supporters, our funding partners, and of course our funded researchers, we committed a further £5.7 million towards vital new research in 2023/24 – the most we have ever invested during a financial year.
Following this, we now embark on a new five-year strategy – Giving hope through life-changing research – where we are pledging to invest a further £25 million in overlooked and underfunded research between 2024 and 2029. You can read more about this later.
In the meantime, we hope you enjoy reading about what we, our supporters, and our brilliant research community have achieved this year.
Professor Paul Moss OBE, Chair of the Board of Trustees, and Dr Angela Hind, Chief Executive.
Where have we invested this year?
We continue to fund health issues with the most pressing need for new research.
Some of the research areas we fund are also specified by individual supporters. In these cases, we rely on independent experts to advise us on the most urgent questions that need to be addressed and the most effective way to do so.
Overall we take a targeted approach; only funding research that aligns with one of our key strategic research themes.
In 2023/24, these themes were:
Where have we invested this year?
We continue to fund health issues with the most pressing need for new research.
Some of the research areas we fund are also specified by individual supporters. In these cases, we rely on independent experts to advise us on the most urgent questions that need to be addressed and the most effective way to do so.
Overall we take a targeted approach; only funding research that aligns with one of our key strategic research themes.
In 2023/24, these four areas were:
1. Increasing understanding
Support for the discovery science that increases understanding of the processes underpinning all human health and disease.
2. High need, low research investment
Support for research on the conditions and diseases that devastate lives, where there is unmet need for new research but a low research investment.
3. Emerging research leaders
Opportunities for the emerging research leaders who will address the biomedical research questions of the future and support for their cutting-edge research today.
4. Changing policy and practice
Support to disseminate research results beyond the scientific press to people and places that will influence healthcare policy and practice as well as personal life choices.
Improving the lives of children and young people
We continued to prioritise the health of children and young people in our research funding, so that they can lead healthier, happier lives. Our funding focused on previously neglected areas, as well as on conditions where children are disproportionately affected.
Cancer pain
Thanks to advances in treatment, there is now an 80% survival rate for childhood cancers. However, the long-term effects of treatment can be felt for many years. Pain is one of these commonly reported symptoms, with over 50% of childhood cancer survivors reporting ongoing pain even after treatment.
Most cancer pain research to date has focused on adult patients, but we now know that children experience and process pain differently. That’s why we are proud to follow on from our previous investments in this area, to uncover more about why and how children and young people experience cancer pain.
This year, with support from our donors including the fundraising efforts of staff at Advent International, we have invested £1.3 million into new research in this field, to improve the quality of life for young cancer survivors and reduce the pain associated with ongoing treatments.
Researchers Dr Emma Fisher from the University of Bath, Dr Sandrine Géranton from University College London, Dr Alexander Davies from the University of Oxford, Dr Richard Hulse from Nottingham Trent University and Professor Suellen Walker from University College London, along with their teams, are all working on research projects in the field of child and adolescent cancer pain. Read more about these research projects.
Researchers Dr Emma Fisher from the University of Bath, Dr Sandrine Géranton from University College London, Dr Alexander Davies from the University of Oxford, Dr Richard Hulse from Nottingham Trent University and Professor Suellen Walker from University College London, along with their teams, are all working on research projects in the field of child and adolescent cancer pain. Read more about these research projects.
Musculoskeletal pain
Musculoskeletal pain is acute or chronic pain felt in the muscles, ligament, tendons or bones. Right now, chronic pain is thought to affect between 18.4 and 28 million people across the UK. That’s more than a third of the population living in pain for more than three months.
Despite an increase in research into the causes and treatment of adult pain, there is still a lack of understanding around the mechanisms of musculoskeletal pain in children and adolescents.
Through new investment, we aim to improve the diagnosis, treatment and recovery of musculoskeletal pain in young people. This year, together with Versus Arthritis, we have invested over £250,000 into research fellowships in this field.
Dr Rhiannon Joslin from the University of Southampton and Dr Verena Hinze from the University of Oxford have each been awarded a Catalyst Fellowship to continue their research in the field of young people living with musculoskeletal pain. Read more about their research projects.
Dr Rhiannon Joslin from the University of Southampton and Dr Verena Hinze from the University of Oxford have each been awarded a Catalyst Fellowship to continue their research in the field of young people living with musculoskeletal pain. Read more about their research projects.
Skin disorders
For children and young people, skin conditions can have a devastating impact on physical and mental wellbeing, impacting self-esteem, and for some, leading to more serious mental health issues like anxiety and depression.
Despite the prevalence of skin disorders in young people, there are limited treatment options available, and a pressing need for more research investment.
This year, we supported over £600,000 new funding for two researchers who are aiming to strengthen our understanding of atopic dermatitis, one of the most common forms of eczema, acne and orofacial granulomatosis (a skin condition affecting areas around the mouth).
Dr Lavinia Paternoster from the University of Bristol and Dr Natalie Prescott at King's College London and Guy's Hospital are aiming to increase our understanding of skin disorders in young people. Read more about their research projects.
Dr Lavinia Paternoster from the University of Bristol and Dr Natalie Prescott at King's College London and Guy's Hospital are aiming to increase our understanding of skin disorders in young people. Read more about their research projects.
Impact of Climate Change on Health
Climate change is a severe and continually growing threat to global human health.
We are already witnessing various health impacts of climate change, including shifting patterns of infectious disease, heat-related illnesses and deaths, increased food insecurity, and a range of mental health issues driven by disrupted social cohesion. There is an urgent need for greater research investment.
To support essential research in this field, in 2023/24 we awarded over £1.5m across six new grants to the researchers pictured:
Dr Symon Kariuki and Dr Claire Niedzwiedz, from the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) and University of Glasgow (respectively), will explore how climate change is affecting people’s mental health and wellbeing in Kenya.
Dr Symon Kariuki and Dr Claire Niedzwiedz, from the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) and University of Glasgow (respectively), will explore how climate change is affecting people’s mental health and wellbeing in Kenya.
Dr Samuel Adjorlolo from the University of Ghana and Dr Amanda Mason-Jones from the University of York will investigate the impact of flood events on maternal health in two coastal cities: Accra, in Ghana, and Kingston upon Hull, in the UK.
Dr Samuel Adjorlolo from the University of Ghana and Dr Amanda Mason-Jones from the University of York will investigate the impact of flood events on maternal health in two coastal cities: Accra, in Ghana, and Kingston upon Hull, in the UK.
Dr Shehu Shagari Awandu from the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science & Techology and Dr Emilie Pondeville from the University of Glasgow will study two Kenyan mosquito populations, Anopheles stephensi and Aedes aegypti.
Dr Shehu Shagari Awandu from the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science & Techology and Dr Emilie Pondeville from the University of Glasgow will study two Kenyan mosquito populations, Anopheles stephensi and Aedes aegypti.
Dr Benedict Weobong from the University of Ghana and Dr Seyi Soremekun from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine will address evidence gaps in sub-Saharan Africa concerning the mental health effects of climate change.
Dr Benedict Weobong from the University of Ghana and Dr Seyi Soremekun from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine will address evidence gaps in sub-Saharan Africa concerning the mental health effects of climate change.
Dr Sulaiman Ibrahim from the Centre for Research in Infectious Diseases, Cameroon and Dr Ilaria Dorigatti from Imperial College London are using data from field mosquito laboratory experiments in Nigeria to predict the climate change effects on mosquito-borne diseases.
Dr Sulaiman Ibrahim from the Centre for Research in Infectious Diseases, Cameroon and Dr Ilaria Dorigatti from Imperial College London are using data from field mosquito laboratory experiments in Nigeria to predict the climate change effects on mosquito-borne diseases.
Dr Muzamil Olamide Hassan from Obafemi Awolowo University and Dr Raina Ramnath from the University of Bristol are working to evaluate heat stress and the incidence of acute kidney injury in agricultural workers in Ile-Ife, Nigeria.
Dr Muzamil Olamide Hassan from Obafemi Awolowo University and Dr Raina Ramnath from the University of Bristol are working to evaluate heat stress and the incidence of acute kidney injury in agricultural workers in Ile-Ife, Nigeria.
For more detail about the new research, view our full news story on the topic.
Hearing loss across the lifespan
Hearing loss affects around 11 million people in the UK – that’s one in six of us. Despite its prevalence, and the largely preventable and treatable nature of hearing loss, research in this area remains severely underfunded.
By 2031, it is estimated that around 20% of the UK population will experience a hearing condition or loss of hearing, largely due to ageing populations, but also because of ongoing stigma that discourages people from getting tested and treated. Tinnitus and other conditions related to hearing loss can have a damaging effect on wellbeing, from its impact on communication and social interactions, to causing depression and anxiety.
This year, we have invested close to £700,000 in launchpad grants to fund research into hearing loss.
These launchpad grants have been awarded to researchers all based at University of Nottingham Hearing Sciences – thanks to a gift from Esme Gray in memory of her son, Stuart, to support hearing research at the University of Nottingham.
This investment will fund vital studies, led by the researchers pictured, into hearing loss, its underlying causes, and its impact on wellbeing and everyday life.
Both Dr Joseph Sollini and Dr Sally Thornton’s research will help improve our understanding of biological mechanisms underpinning hearing loss.
Both Dr Joseph Sollini and Dr Sally Thornton’s research will help improve our understanding of biological mechanisms underpinning hearing loss.
Dr Vassilis Pelekanos and Professor Michael Akeroyd are both working to assess new methods for measuring and imaging hearing loss.
Dr Vassilis Pelekanos and Professor Michael Akeroyd are both working to assess new methods for measuring and imaging hearing loss.
Dr Chris Scholes, Dr Jack Holman and Dr Mengfan Wu, are working to better understand the impact of hearing loss on different aspects of everyday life and wellbeing.
Dr Chris Scholes, Dr Jack Holman and Dr Mengfan Wu, are working to better understand the impact of hearing loss on different aspects of everyday life and wellbeing.
For more detail about the new research, view our full news story on the topic.
Recognising future leaders in hepatitis research
Our 2023 Emerging Leaders Prize celebrated cutting-edge research into hepatitis – a virus that causes inflammation of the liver, leading to scarring, cancer and even viral hepatitis-related deaths.
We awarded a total of £200,000 to three outstanding scientists whose studies have the potential to tackle the biggest challenges in liver disease and viral hepatitis.
Dr Hamish Innes, Senior Research Fellow, Glasgow Caledonian University
Dr Hamish Innes is working to improve the early detection of liver cancer in patients with HCV.
As a leader in the field of HCV antiviral therapy, Dr Innes has previously worked through large population cohort data to demonstrate how antiviral therapy reduces the risk of death and severe liver disease for HCV patients.
Now, Dr Innes is investigating clinical prediction models, such as risk calculators, that can help healthcare professionals decide how best to treat a patient by estimating the likelihood of an individual to develop a certain disease.
Thanks to the Emerging Leaders Prize, and with additional support from gifts in Will from Effie Miller Munro and Jenny Porley, Dr Innes will now be able to access new datasets. This will strengthen his team’s surveillance of liver cancer in HCV patients, and enable him to continue exploring genetic predictors of the disease.
Dr Azim Ansari, Group Leader, University of Oxford
Dr Azim Ansari is interested in understanding how genetic variations among individuals can lead to varied outcomes in patients with HCV and HBV infections.
Dr Ansari's team aim to uncover how the genes of viruses and hosts interact, and where genetic codes may clash. This work could help to create better vaccines and innovative treatments to fight infections more effectively. The prize funding will enable Dr Ansari to attend a leadership course and extend his research, supporting his work into preventing, diagnosing and treating liver diseases.
Dr Joe Grove, Sir Henry Dale Fellow, MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research
Dr Joe Grove is investigating the ‘entry proteins’ of HCV – which are effectively used by virus particles to break into cells, spreading infection from one cell to another.
Dr Grove and his team are working to combine laboratory experiments with computational simulation to better understand entry proteins and how they work. The team are using AI to predict the structure of HCV entry proteins, and thanks to the Emerging Leader’s Prize, Dr Grove will be able to extend his research to study HBV entry proteins as well. This work will support the development of future vaccines and drugs against viral hepatitis.
For more detail about the Emerging Leaders Prize, view our full news story on the topic.
Our Changing Policy and Practice (CPP) Awards provide targeted support to Foundation and Medical Research Council-funded researchers worldwide. The awards help researchers disseminate their findings beyond the scientific press, to people who can influence healthcare policy and practice, as well as people’s individual life choices.
This year, we made five of these unique awards:
In 2015, Nepal became a federal democratic republic, a change which has significantly impacted its health system. To understand more about this, Professor Julie Balen from Canterbury Christ Church University is working with stakeholders in policymaking and healthcare delivery, to learn about their experiences of this change.
Her team will use the CPP award to also facilitate a bespoke training and capacity-building programme for local leaders to develop skills in health system leadership. This will help over 120 local leaders to gain experience in health system governance, supporting the system’s capacity to deliver health services in a federal Nepal.
Professor Julie Balen
Professor Julie Balen
In South Africa, the health system faces many challenges, from resource shortages to multiple health crises. It is recognised that community participation is key to achieve ‘health for all’, but there is limited knowledge available to bring this concept to life.
The Verbal Autopsy with Participatory Action Research project is developing an intervention to support community health workers in South Africa with achieving community mobilisation. Dr Lucia D’Ambruoso from the University of Aberdeen plans to extend this intervention across the province, to reach a population of 4.4 million. His team also aims to share learning at the national level, to facilitate policy and strategy change.
Dr Lucia D’Ambruoso
Dr Lucia D’Ambruoso
Pre-eclampsia is a serious pregnancy-related condition which causes high blood pressure and organ damage. It is a leading cause of mother and baby death around the world.
Professor Andrew Shennan from King’s College London has conducted research into this condition in India and Zambia, discovering that early birth reduces the risk of severe illness caused by pre-eclampsia, and the chance of infant death. His team plans to use the award funding to influence maternal healthcare in these countries, and to share documentary films and other resources that will educate women about pre-eclampsia.
Professor Andrew Shennan
Professor Andrew Shennan
Acute stroke from intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) occurs when the brain is deprived of oxygen and blood supply. Unfortunately, it is historically not treated with the same level of urgency and coordinated care as acute ischaemic stroke, and to date, there is no proven treatment for the condition.
Professor Craig Anderson from the University of New South Wales, Australia, has carried out a landmark clinical trial, INTERACT3, involving over 7000 patients with ICH across several countries. His research has provided reliable evidence that ICH is, in fact, a treatable condition. With this grant, Professor Anderson aims to support education, training and quality improvement initiatives that will enable active care protocols for ICH to be implemented, ensuring patients are able to receive timely and coordinated treatment.
Professor Craig Anderson
Professor Craig Anderson
Preterm birth affects 13.4 million newborns across the world each year. The World Health Organisation recommends a package of care for small newborns, called Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC), whereby a newborn is carried (usually by the mother) with skin-to-skin contact. It has shown to increase survival among vulnerable newborns.
Dr Cally Tann from the Medical Research Council / Uganda Virus Research Institute (and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine Uganda Research Unit) is working to explore how this life-saving intervention can be implemented in Uganda. Her findings have highlighted potential issues with rolling out this method, as many hospitals have little or no space for neonatal inpatient care. With the CPP award, Dr Tann and her team aim to disseminate their findings to support the national usage of KMC care in Uganda.
Dr Cally Tann
Dr Cally Tann
For more detail about the Changing Policy and Practice awards, view our full news story on the topic.
The income and expenditure figures reported above exclude the activities of GACD, the only one of the Foundation’s linked charities which operated as an incorporated legal entity (all other linked charities were held as restricted funds within the Medical Research Foundation). The Statement of Financial Activities excluding GACD from which these figures are extracted is shown on page 85 of the full annual report. In addition to the income and expenditure shown above, the Foundation recorded £7.3m net gains on its investment assets in 2024 (2023: £0.2m).
Following 2023-24, we were delighted to launch our new five-year strategy, 'Giving hope through life-changing medical research'.
Through the strategy, we've pledged to invest at least £25 million in new research between 2024 and 2029, focusing on:
- Improving the lives of children and young people
- Addressing neglected areas of mental health
- Tackling the health impacts of climate change
- Responding to emerging health threats and research opportunities
To address these health challenges, and to remain adaptable to emerging ones, the strategy also details our commitment to:
- Become more agile and innovative
- Ensure sustainable funding for future research
- Further maximise the impact of donations we receive
You can read more about our strategy and our plans for the future.
Thank you!
Our work is only possible thanks to the incredible generosity of our donors. Thanks to their support, we can continue to lay the foundations for ground-breaking new discoveries and life-changing advances.
Thank you to Robert Colvile for his continued support. Robert’s remarkable autoimmune hepatitis research fundraising campaign in memory of his wife Andrea who sadly passed in 2019 has now raised more than £139,000.
Thank you to everyone at Advent International. In just a few months they raised over £170,000 from staff donations, which were matched and double-matched by the company. We look forward to working closely with Advent in the coming year.
Our thanks to our funding partners, including the Chellaram Foundation, the P F Charitable Trust, the Samuel Storey Family Charitable Trust, the Grace Trust, the Christopher H R Reeves Charitable Trust, the Michael and Anna Wix Charitable Trust, the Ardwick Trust, the Oakdale Trust, the Roger Brooke Charitable Trust and the Orange Tree Trust.
We would also like to thank our corporate partner New Scientist for their continued support.
Thank you to every one of our supporters who gave generously during the year, either through one-off or regular donations or by taking part in fundraising events.
As always, we are immensely grateful to our friends and colleagues at the MRC for giving us guidance, advice, and other pro bono support.
Find out more by downloading the full annual report publication on our website
Built with Shorthand