UK Gut-Immune-Brain Axis Network+
We are building a UK-wide interdisciplinary research community to advance the mechanistic understanding of the gut-immune-brain axis. 
The past two decades have seen a global explosion of research into the gut-immune-brain axis (GIBA), highlighting its importance for human development, health and longevity.
It is essential to understand the connection between the gut and the nervous system, as well as their reciprocal effects. Additionally, we need to enhance our knowledge of how the immune system influences both gut and brain functions. This allows scientists, drug developers and policy makers to develop novel strategies to improve physical, cognitive and mental health across the life-course.
The UK possesses a wealth of expertise, infrastructure and resources in areas relevant to GIBA. To fully realize GIBA's potential, an interdisciplinary approach is essential, integrating knowledge and technology from various research fields, including those that typically do not interact.
To maximise the impact of these resources, we are launching a national GIBA Network+. This will build a vibrant and diverse UK-wide research community to advance the mechanistic understanding of GIBA across the life-course, and its modulation by lifestyle and other factors.
Our network will provide networking opportunities to build closer collaborative relationships between disciplines. It will also signpost existing UK infrastructure and resources, with a strong focus on an inclusive and positive research culture that particularly fosters the development and visibility of early-career researchers.
The GIBA Network+ is supported by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council.
Register for the launch event: UK GIBA Network+ Launch
Researchers and stakeholders from all disciplines and backgrounds are welcome to join the launch event for the UK GIBA Network+ at Southampton Harbour Hotel on Monday 22nd September 2025.
Concept:
The GIBA Network+ will be the focal point for national GIBA research. It will integrate research communities and stakeholders from diverse disciplines and backgrounds, to maximise the effectiveness of UK research and innovation capacity. Improved understanding of GIBA, and integration and application of this knowledge, will advance our ability to develop strategies to improve physical, cognitive and mental health for economic and societal benefits.  
Skills development:
A comprehensive training programme will be delivered in-person and online. This will ensure the Network’s legacy. It will be combined with a summer school and mobility awards. These are designed to extend and diversify the capabilities of GIBA researchers.
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Knowledge creation:
The GIBA Network+ will facilitate a rich portfolio of networking and funding activities to engage diverse stakeholders. Collaborative groups will pursue pertinent research questions shaped by knowledge gaps in the field. Pump priming funds will be available to support the development and optimisation of approaches to interrogate the GIBA.
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Impact on research, society and economy:
The network will promote interactions between academia, industry, and clinical and public stakeholders. It will expand the pathways to translate research into tangible outputs and impact on wider society. These include commercial outputs and the generation of knowledge and toolkits to inform public health policy and education. Engaging with advisory groups, learned societies, charities, existing strategic investments, and public policy groups will expedite and amplify impact.
Sign up to the GIBA Network+
We encourage anyone with an interest in GIBA and participating in research and knowledge exchange to sign-up below. This includes those working in academia, industry, policy, and members of the public. Although the GIBA Network is UK-focused, we also welcome those outside of the UK to sign up.