LifeArc and the Scottish Government Chief Scientist Office (CSO) are making new funds available to further Scottish research into potential new treatments for rare diseases.

The groups have put aside £300,000 to support up to three research projects, led from Scotland, that will accelerate the translation of strong discovery science into new interventions for patients with rare diseases. The intention is that the funding will progress the science to a point where additional substantive funding could be secured.

Dr Catriona Crombie, Head of the Philanthropic Fund at LifeArc, said: “This funding aims to support the development of promising ideas toward treatments for patients that desperately need better options.”

The CSO is part of the Scottish Government Health and Social Care Directorates and provides funding for high-quality research conducted in Scotland. This strategic co-funding initiative will benefit from LifeArc’ s expertise in translational science – advancing research from the lab to a point where it can be used in humans. The approach also aligns with the commitments of the CSO to address priority health challenges, as outlined in the UK Strategy for Rare Diseases.

The Cabinet Secretary for Health and Sport Jeane Freeman said: “All people in Scotland who are living with a rare disease should be able to access the best possible care and support. Research is essential if we are to continue to develop effective new approaches to the diagnosis and treatment or rare diseases. Funding initiatives such as this play an important role.”

Notes to editors

Applications should meet the guidelines provided. Projects costing in the region of £100,000 will be considered. The closing date is Friday 31st May 2020 at 17:00. Applications will undergo external peer review and awards will be announced in December 2020.

Find out more and apply for this funding