Our programme
Meningitis Research Foundation is a registered charity that fights death and disability from meningitis and associated infections by funding vital scientific research. There are
currently 26 research projects in the programme. Since it was founded in 1989, the charity has awarded 133 research grants, leading to many advances in the prevention, detection and treatment of meningitis and septicaemia. The total value of the Foundation's investment in vital scientific research is over £16 million.
On the basis of research and consultation the Foundation also develops and distributes information about meningitis and septicaemia for the public and health professionals, runs medical and scientific conferences, and provides help and support to people affected by meningitis and septicaemia. The charity relies on public donations to fund its work.
Strategy
Meningitis Research Foundation aims to defeat meningitis and septicaemia through research. Research funded must be of the highest scientific merit, in terms of the importance of the investigation, excellence of the study, ability of the research team, and probability of success. Research proposals must demonstrate clear relevance to the disease area and have potential for prevention of these diseases or other clinical or public health benefit.
The trustees place particular emphasis on research into prevention of Group B meningococcal infection, due to its prevalence in the UK and Republic of Ireland.
Until all forms of meningitis and septicaemia are eradicated, priority will be given to research that produces results in immediate problem areas, including:
- Prevention of all forms of meningitis and associated infections
- Improving treatment and outlook for patients
- Improving the speed and accuracy of diagnosis
Research may be clinical, laboratory based, or epidemiological. The Foundation will consider funding basic science, but this must increase understanding of the disease area and have a clearly defined potential for early translation into alleviation of the diseases.
A more detailed explanation of our research strategy can be found in our Information for applicants section .
Achievements
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Meningitis Research Foundation’s research led to the identification of the early ‘red flag’ symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia leading to prompt diagnosis and treatment. The Foundation has won numerous awards for promoting the ‘red flag’ symptoms to the public and health professionals.
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Our research revealed the optimal age to vaccinate a premature baby to ensure the most effective and long-lasting protection against specific strains of meningitis. The research contributed to the introduction of a booster injection for all babies at 12 months.
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Group B Streptococcal (GBS) kills approximately 500 babies in the UK a year. A simple dose of antibiotics given to the mother during labour can reduce the risk of a new born baby contracting GBS after birth. Our research resulted in pre-natal guidelines being developed to help health professionals identify high-risk mothers and advise them on antibiotic treatment to reduce the chances of GBS in the newborn baby.
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Pneumococcal disease kills around 1.6 million people worldwide each year, one million of whom are young children and infants. Our research project in Boston has resulted in the development of a low-cost vaccine suitable for the developing world where the disease is a major killer.