Bardhan Research And Education Trust Of Rotherham

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: Over £2 million awarded to date
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: Not publicly available
• Grant Range: Not specified
• Geographic Focus: Sheffield and Rotherham region, with some expansion to other UK centers

Contact Details

• Website: www.thebret.org
• Email: info@thebret.org
• Phone: 01142711900
• Address: Room P39, GI and Liver Unit, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Glossop Road, Sheffield, S10 2JF

Overview

The Bardhan Research and Education Trust of Rotherham (BRET) was founded in 1988 by Dr. Karna Dev Bardhan and incorporated as a charity in December 1989 (Charity Number: 328452). With over £2 million awarded to more than 50 scientists since its inception, BRET focuses on advancing gastroenterology research and medical education. The trust operates primarily in the Sheffield and Rotherham region, supporting both established researchers and those not based in traditional academic centers. BRET is known for funding innovative “blue skies” research and risky projects that other funders might overlook, guided by the philosophy that “Medicine is best served when led by research, supported by science and sustained always by compassion.”

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

BRET supports various levels of research training and development:

• PhD studentships
• MD research degrees
• Post-doctoral Fellowships
• BMedSci projects
• MSc research studies

Priority Areas

• Gastroenterology and gastrointestinal disease research
• Coeliac Disease
• Gluten Sensitivity
• Small Bowel Endoscopy
• Gastrostomy Feeding
• Gut Bleeding
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome
• Pancreas research
• Food and Function research

What They Don't Fund

Not publicly documented

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Governance and Leadership

The trust was founded by Professor KD Bardhan MBBS, D Phil, FRCP, FACG, FACP, who passed away in April 2023. Current trustees include:

• Dr Martin Clark
• Mr David Hinchliffe
• David Winfield
• Mrs Lucy Vernall
• Dr Mark McAlindon
• Mr D R Cockburn
• Mr S Bardhan

The trust maintains close connections with Sheffield Teaching Hospitals and the University of Sheffield's gastroenterology research community.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

This funder does not have a public application process. Grants are awarded through trustee discretion and identification of promising researchers within their network. Funding decisions appear to be made through direct relationships with the gastroenterology research community in Sheffield and surrounding areas.

Getting on Their Radar

Based on BRET's history and approach, researchers can potentially connect with the trust through:

• The gastroenterology departments at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals and Royal Hallamshire Hospital where BRET maintains a physical presence
• University of Sheffield's medical research programs, where BRET has historically supported educational grants
• Direct contact via email (info@thebret.org) to inquire about research support opportunities
• The trust specifically seeks researchers “not based in academic centres,” suggesting they welcome approaches from clinicians in district hospitals

Decision Timeline

Not publicly available

Success Rates

Not publicly documented

Reapplication Policy

Not publicly documented

Application Success Factors

While BRET doesn't have a formal application process, their funding philosophy provides clear indicators of what they value:

• Researchers with “drive, determination and ability to develop good ideas”
• “Blue skies” thinking and innovative approaches to gastroenterology research
• Projects that might be considered too risky for traditional funders
• Research proposals that advance understanding of gastrointestinal diseases
• Researchers from non-traditional academic settings are particularly encouraged
• Strong focus on translational research that can improve patient wellbeing

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• BRET operates without a public application process - relationship building is essential
• The trust is deeply embedded in Sheffield's gastroenterology research community
• They fund at all career stages from undergraduate research to post-doctoral fellowships
• Willing to support high-risk, innovative research that other funders might reject
• Geographic proximity to Sheffield/Rotherham appears advantageous but not exclusive
• Direct email contact is the primary route for initial inquiries
• The trust values compassion in medicine alongside scientific rigor

Similar Funders

These funders have a similar focus and geographic reach:

• Bowel Research UK
• GUTS
• GUTS UK CHARITY
• BREAST CANCER NOW
• The Frances and Augustus Newman Foundation
• BMA Foundation
• British Dietetic Association General and Education Trust Fund
• The Chronic Disease Research Foundation

References

• BRET Official Website: https://www.thebret.org
• BRET History Page: https://www.thebret.org/history
• BRET Contact Page: https://www.thebret.org/contact
• OpenCharities Entry: http://opencharities.org/charities/328452
• Charity Commission Register: Entry for Charity 328452