The Global Grants for Gut Health

The Global Grants for Gut Health is a competitive funding initiative that supports innovative, investigator-led research focused on the human gut microbiota. Jointly supported by Yakult and Nature Portfolio, the program aims to advance scientific understanding of the critical role the gut microbiome plays in human health. 

2025 scope 

We invite proposals for one-year research projects, including both laboratory-based investigations and clinical studies, that explore the role of nutrition in modulating the human gut microbiome and barrier function.  Studies exploring the interplay between diet, microbial composition and barrier homeostasis are encouraged. Detailed scope can be found on the For Applicants page.  

Successful projects will demonstrate scientific rigour, originality and the potential to make meaningful contributions to the field of microbiome research. 

Who’s it for? 

This global grant programme is open to academic researchers at all career stages and encourages interdisciplinary approaches that push the boundaries of current knowledge in gut microbiota science. Eligible researchers should demonstrate a track record of excellence in their field and the capacity to lead an independent research project. 

Why apply? 

The programme will award up to three grants per funding cycle, with each grant providing up to USD $100,000 in funding. In addition to funding, grant recipients will gain visibility on nature.com and be offered the opportunity to present their research at an international scientific conference, enhancing the global reach and impact of their work. 

Key dates

10^th June 2025

Launch date - now open

9^th September 2025

Close date

November 2025

Application assessment

January 2026

Successful applicants notified