Working groups

Our working groups support the development of effective collaborations across the UK to advance GIBA research.

Each year, there will be 5-6 working groups structured around key research questions that we currently face as a field. These questions have emerged based on the feedback of the network community and clearly identified knowledge gaps in the GIBA research space.

How does the GIBA influence cognition, mood and mental health?

Led by
Prof Jessica Teeling

How do the brain and gut communicate to regulate food intake and shape eating behaviours?

Led by
Prof Jonathan Swann

What is the impact of the GIBA on ageing and neurodegeneration?

Led by
Dr Aimee Parker

How can we modify nutrition and/or the microbiome to impact health across the lifespan?

Led by
Dr Alex Almeida and Prof David Vauzour

How do neuro-immune-stromal interactions affect the GIBA in health and disease?

Led by
Dr Franziska Denk

Working groups will run for at least a year, at which point the questions will be refreshed. It is expected that each working group will meet monthly online, and at least once in person. Each working group will set their own goals for the year, but activities may include short research presentations, methodological discussions, preparation of joint position and/or review papers, as well as facilitation of new collaborative grant applications (see here for full Terms of Reference).

Please note that if you are looking to apply for GIBA collaborative innovation funds, mobility awards or fellowships, or an engagement and communication award, active participation in working groups is required.

You can sign up to one (or more) working groups here.

We are also looking for enthusiastic ECRs to co-lead our working groups. Please apply here until Friday 10th October 2025 if you are interested.

Working groups are due to start their activities in November 2025.