Highlights

Our pioneering research network has taken its first steps at a launch event in Southampton. 

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Researchers and stakeholders from across the UK gathered for the formal launch of the Gut-Immune-Brain Axis (GIBA) Network+. 

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The Network will support the development of new interdisciplinary research teams, provide funding, mobility, and training opportunities, as well as pathways to maximise the scientific, commercial and public impact of GIBA research. 

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It is the first time experts from across research disciplines in the UK are working together to advance mechanistic understanding of the gut-immune-brain axis. 

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More than a ‘gut feeling’ 

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Growing scientific evidence shows that the gut and brain are in constant communication, sending signals back and forth through the immune, nervous and metabolic systems. 

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Advancing our understanding of these connections can help scientists find new ways to improve physical and mental health throughout life. 

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Keynote speaker Dr Rochellys Diaz Heijtz, from the Karolinska Institutet in Sweden, highlighted several recent advances in this field in opening the Network launch at the Southampton Harbour Hotel. 

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Over 45 organisations, including 28 universities, were represented at the event, with over 1,500 connections made between attendees through digital badge interactions. 

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Professor Jonathan Swann, Director of the UK GIBA Network+, said: “This new research network marks a transformative step in our understanding of how the gut, including the resident microbiota, and the brain interact with wide-ranging implications for health from influencing brain development to shaping cognitive function across the lifespan. 

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“By bringing together experts from different disciplines, we can provide new perspectives on how to study the gut-immune-brain axis and open up vital new areas of investigation, from neurodevelopmental disorders, such as autism and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), to age-related dementia. This collaborative effort will generate evidence-based insights that could reshape how we support physical, mental, and cognitive well-being at every stage of life.” 

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Ambitious first steps 

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Five working groups were announced at the launch to cover key research questions. These will start developing new collaborations over the coming year and address knowledge gaps. 

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The Network’s first funding opportunities were also revealed.  

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A training programme is being made available for members to build skills, tools and methods essential for progressing gut-immune-brain axis research and knowledge exchange. This will centre around theoretical concepts, data analysis, experimental techniques, and career development of early career researchers. 

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A first training course, offering an introduction to experimental design and core statistics, was publicised and is free to UK GIBA Network+ members. It will take place in Cambridge between the 8th and 10th of December. 

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Finally, the Network leads underlined the importance of public involvement and engagement for research, and committed to keep them at the centre of their activities. 

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Growing network 

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The UK GIBA Network+ is led by researchers from the University of Southampton, University of Cambridge, King’s College London and the Quadram Institute. 

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It will run for four years and has received £4.5 million in funding from the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC). 

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Over 400 people have signed up for the network in its early stages. Anyone with an interest in the gut-immune-brain axis and participating in research and knowledge exchange is invited to sign-up to join the network. 

Although the network is UK-focused, members also welcome those outside of the UK to sign up. 

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