UK businesses and researchers are being invited to submit applications for a slice of a £180,000 research fund aimed at enhancing the quality of gluten-free food and improving the lives of people living with coeliac disease.

This is the second research call launched by charity Coeliac UK in collaboration with the UK’s innovation agency, Innovate UK.

Applications must focus on enhancing gluten-free food, as well as improving diagnostics for coeliac disease and development long-term management of the autoimmune disease.

Total project costs can range from £50,000 to £250,000 and researchers and businesses can jointly apply for a share of the funding up to the maximum £180,000 available.

“We want to change the course of coeliac disease treatment through improved diagnostics, technology and food innovations that truly bridge the gap between people, health professionals and products,” said Hilary Croft, CEO of Coeliac UK.

“Research has the power to do this and by combining forces with Innovate UK and industry, our charity demonstrates its unwavering commitment to the UK’s growing gluten free community.”