The Natasha Allergy Research Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £597,302 (charitable expenditure 2023/24)
• Total Reserves: £1,770,326
• Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
• Decision Time: Varies by program
• Grant Range: Individual bursaries to £2.7m research projects
• Geographic Focus: UK-wide (research focus), National (bursaries)
• Founded: 2018 (registered 10 December 2018)

Contact Details

Address: First Floor, 85 Great Portland Street, London W1W 7LT

Phone: 07768 104247

Email:

• General enquiries: info@narf.org.uk
• Enquiries: enquiries@narf.org.uk

Website: www.narf.org.uk

For Natasha Medical Bursaries applications:

• Email: fmed-studentoffice@soton.ac.uk
• University of Southampton allergy team: allergy@soton.ac.uk

Overview

The Natasha Allergy Research Foundation was founded in 2018 by Nadim and Tanya Ednan-Laperouse OBE following the tragic death of their 15-year-old daughter Natasha from a severe allergic reaction to sesame. The charity is the UK's only charity dedicated exclusively to funding allergy medical research. With total reserves of £1.77 million and charitable expenditure of £597,302 in 2023/24, the Foundation operates across three strategic pillars: pioneering medical research, education and training, and law and policy change. The charity's flagship initiative is the £2.7 million Natasha Clinical Trial, a groundbreaking three-year study conducted in partnership with the University of Southampton and Imperial College London testing oral immunotherapy using everyday foods. Since November 2019, the Foundation has also awarded 94 Natasha Medical Bursaries to healthcare professionals for specialist allergy training. The Foundation is a member of the Association of Medical Research Charities (AMRC).

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

1. Natasha Medical Bursaries (Application-based program)

• Amount: Full or partial coverage of MSc Allergy course fees (course fee approximately £26,500)
• Purpose: Fund healthcare professionals to receive expert allergy education and training
• Scope: Can cover full MSc, Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma, or individual modules
• Eligibility: Healthcare professionals at any career stage (UK-based)
• Number awarded: 94 bursaries since November 2019; over 73 healthcare professionals (doctors, nurses, dieticians) have benefited
• Duration: Programme extended to 2028
• Application method: Rolling basis with annual deadline
• Application deadline: Friday 29 August 2025 (for 2025-2026 academic year)
• Course application deadline: Thursday 26 June 2025

2. Strategic Research Funding (Commissioned, not open application)

• The Natasha Clinical Trial: £2.7 million, three-year oral immunotherapy trial
• Partnership with University of Southampton and Imperial College London
• Nine trial sites across UK (Bristol, Leeds, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Leicester, Sheffield, Newcastle, Imperial College London, Southampton)
• Treating 275 patients aged 2-23 years with peanut or cow's milk allergies
• 139 children enrolled as of 2024
• Results expected in 2027
• Research commitments: Multi-year funding to University of Southampton with milestone-based release of funds
• Focus: Prevention, causes, and treatments for food allergies and allergic asthma

Priority Areas

Research Focus:

• Allergy prevention research
• Understanding causes of allergic disease
• Development of practical, accessible treatments (particularly oral immunotherapy using everyday foods rather than expensive pharmaceuticals)
• Food allergies (particularly peanut, cow's milk, and sesame)
• Allergic asthma

Education and Training:

• Professional development for NHS healthcare workers in allergy management
• Building capacity of allergy specialists across the UK
• Supporting study at world-leading allergy research centres

Policy and Law:

• Advocating for food allergy awareness and safety legislation
• Public health initiatives addressing the allergy epidemic

What They Don't Fund

The Foundation does not operate an open application process for research grants. Major research projects are strategically commissioned and developed in partnership with leading academic institutions. Only the Natasha Medical Bursaries programme accepts applications from individuals.

The Foundation focuses exclusively on allergy-related work - particularly food allergies and allergic asthma. They do not fund:

• Non-allergy medical research
• General healthcare provision
• Projects outside the UK
• Unsolicited research proposals from institutions

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Governance and Leadership

Founders and Trustees

Nadim Ednan-Laperouse OBE (Co-Founder and Trustee)

• Founded the charity following daughter Natasha's death in 2016
• Driving force behind both research initiatives and legislative change

Tanya Ednan-Laperouse OBE (Co-Founder and Trustee)

• 16 years' experience in HR and PR
• Co-founded charity to honour daughter's memory and prevent similar tragedies

Professor Stephen Holgate CBE FMedSci (Trustee)

• Medical Research Council Clinical Professor
• Leading expert in allergy and asthma research
• Quote: “We are amid an allergy epidemic...”

Tim Smith CBE (Trustee)

• 30-year career in food industry
• Former CEO of Food Standards Agency (5 years)
• Former Group Quality Director at Tesco
• Quote: Describes allergies as an “emerging public health crisis”

Professor Daniel Ray (Trustee)

• Over 20 years' experience in health and care data and technology

Tom (Trustee)

• Portfolio Director on the Charities Team at Schroders
• Manages charity clients

Mr N Buckley (Trustee)

Senior Management Team

Baroness Alicia Kennedy - Chief Operating Officer

• Oversees all operations across three pillars (research, education, law)
• Former Director of Generation Rent
• Political career background
• Quote: “...delivering game-changing scientific research...”

Jan Parnell - Director of Education

Rachel Ellis - Director of Communications

Rachel Hodson-Hubbard - Director of Corporate Partnerships and Fundraising

Organizational Capacity

• 6 employees (one earning £80k-£90k)
• 9 trustees
• 20 volunteers

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

For Natasha Medical Bursaries:

The Foundation operates a formal application process for healthcare professionals seeking funding for allergy education:

1. Submit application: Email to fmed-studentoffice@soton.ac.uk
2. Application deadline: Friday 29 August 2025 (for 2025-2026 academic year)
3. Course application: Must also apply to MSc Allergy course by Thursday 26 June 2025

Contact allergy@soton.ac.uk for questions about the course or bursaries.

For Research Funding:

The Foundation does not accept unsolicited research grant applications. Major research projects like the Natasha Clinical Trial are strategically commissioned and developed in partnership with leading academic institutions (University of Southampton, Imperial College London). These partnerships are initiated by the Foundation's trustees and leadership team based on strategic priorities.

Decision Timeline

Natasha Medical Bursaries: Timeline not publicly disclosed, but applications are reviewed annually for the following academic year. Applicants should submit by the August deadline for courses starting in September/October.

Research partnerships: Developed over extended periods through relationship-building and strategic planning with academic institutions.

Success Rates

Natasha Medical Bursaries: 94 bursaries awarded since November 2019 (approximately 19-24 per year). Specific application-to-award ratios not publicly disclosed.

Reapplication Policy

Not publicly disclosed for the Natasha Medical Bursaries programme. Contact the Foundation or University of Southampton directly for guidance on reapplication if unsuccessful.

Application Success Factors

For Natasha Medical Bursaries Applicants

1. Professional Background and Career Stage

The Foundation explicitly states bursaries are “available to health professionals at any stage of their careers.” Past recipients include NHS doctors, nurses, and dieticians. Your application should demonstrate:

• Current role in healthcare
• How allergy training will enhance patient care
• Career goals related to allergy management

2. Impact on NHS Allergy Care

Professor Judith Holloway (University of Southampton) notes the bursaries “will make a huge difference to the accessibility of our learning.” The Foundation states: “The bursaries will empower brand-new allergy leaders of the future, across the NHS.” Successful applicants should articulate:

• How training will improve allergy care in their practice area
• Potential to become an allergy specialist or leader
• Geographic or specialty areas with unmet allergy care needs

3. Alignment with Foundation's Mission

The Foundation's vision is to “prevent and end allergic disease.” Applications should demonstrate understanding of:

• The allergy epidemic facing the UK (millions affected)
• Need for trained healthcare professionals
• Commitment to improving outcomes for allergy patients

4. Remote Study Capability

The MSc Allergy can be studied remotely across the UK. Applications from healthcare professionals in underserved areas may be particularly valued.

5. Flexible Study Options

The bursaries cover "full master's course, a Postgraduate qualification, or individual modules." Consider:

• Being realistic about time commitments alongside clinical work
• Starting with individual modules or PG Certificate before full MSc
• Demonstrating sustainable study plan

For Organizations Seeking Research Partnerships

While unsolicited applications are not accepted, organizations can position themselves by:

1. Academic Excellence in Allergy Research

The Foundation partners with “World Allergy Organisation Centres of Excellence” (Southampton, Imperial College London). Demonstrate:

• Track record in allergy research
• World-class facilities and expertise
• Potential for breakthrough discoveries

2. Practical, Accessible Treatment Focus

The Natasha Clinical Trial explicitly tests “everyday food products” rather than “expensive pharmaceuticals” to make treatment “practical.” Research proposals should emphasize:

• Real-world applicability
• Accessibility and affordability
• Potential to scale across NHS

3. Prevention and Cure Focus

Nadim Ednan-Laperouse states the goal is that “research ultimately leads to treatments and the prevention and eradication of food allergies altogether.” Prioritize:

• Preventative approaches
• Curative rather than symptom management
• Long-term solutions

4. Multi-Site NHS Integration

The Natasha Clinical Trial operates across nine NHS sites. Successful partnerships involve:

• Strong NHS relationships
• Ability to recruit diverse patient populations
• Geographic spread across UK

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Healthcare professionals seeking bursaries: This is an accessible funding opportunity with clear application process and annual deadlines. Emphasize how training will improve NHS allergy care and position you as a future allergy leader.

• Research institutions: Major grants are commissioned, not applied for. Focus on building relationships with trustees and demonstrating world-class allergy research capabilities aligned with practical, preventative, and curative approaches.

• Unique focus: The Foundation is the UK's only charity dedicated exclusively to allergy medical research, making it the primary funder for this specialized area.

• Mission-driven: Founded by bereaved parents, the Foundation is deeply personal and mission-driven. All work aims to prevent other families experiencing similar tragedy.

• Three-pillar approach: While research is core, the Foundation also works on education and law/policy. Highlight how your work contributes to these broader goals.

• Long-term commitment: The Foundation makes multi-year commitments (bursary programme extended to 2028, £2.7m clinical trial over three years, milestone-based research funding). They seek sustainable impact, not short-term projects.

• Evidence of impact: With 94 bursaries awarded and 139 children enrolled in clinical trial, the Foundation values measurable outcomes. Be prepared to demonstrate clear, trackable impact metrics.

References

1. Charity Commission Register - THE NATASHA ALLERGY RESEARCH FOUNDATION (Charity No. 1181098). Available at: https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-details/?regid=1181098&subid=0 []

1. The Natasha Allergy Research Foundation official website. Available at: https://www.narf.org.uk/ []

1. The Natasha Allergy Research Foundation - Natasha Medical Bursaries. Available at: https://www.narf.org.uk/natasha-medical-bursaries []

1. The Natasha Allergy Research Foundation - Senior Team. Available at: https://www.narf.org.uk/senior-team []

1. The Natasha Allergy Research Foundation - The Natasha Clinical Trial. Available at: https://www.narf.org.uk/the-natasha-clinical-trial-update []

1. University of Southampton (2022). “Natasha allergy trial.” Available at: https://www.southampton.ac.uk/news/2022/05/natasha-allergy-trial.page []

1. University of Southampton (2024). “Natasha Trial May Allow Children With Food Allergies To Live Without Fear.” Available at: https://www.southampton.ac.uk/news/2024/05/natasha-trial.page []

1. University of Southampton (2020). “Natasha Foundation donation bursaries.” Available at: https://www.southampton.ac.uk/news/2020/02/natasha-foundation-bursaries.page []

1. University of Southampton - MSc Allergy course information. Available at: https://www.southampton.ac.uk/courses/allergy-masters-msc []

1. Association of Medical Research Charities - Natasha Allergy Research Foundation member profile. Available at: https://www.amrc.org.uk/natasha-allergy-research-foundation []