If there’s one field in science that’s bubbling with promise, it’s gut health. The microbiome has gone from a niche topic to a central player in our understanding of everything from metabolism and inflammation to brain health and immunity. But for researchers hoping to push the boundaries of this complex ecosystem, securing funding that supports bold, mechanistic, and interdisciplinary ideas isn’t always easy.

That’s where the Global Grants for Gut Health come in—a unique partnership between Yakult and Nature Portfolio that’s quietly building a global community of microbiome pioneers. Now entering its latest cycle, the program is offering up to three $100,000 grants to support innovative, investigator-led research. The focus? Understanding how diet shapes the gut microbiome and gut-barrier function—and how those interactions impact overall health.

The grant program has a refreshingly open and forward-thinking approach. Rather than limiting proposals to bacterial studies alone, it embraces the full complexity of the microbiome, including viruses, fungi, and protists. This year’s call is especially interested in the interplay between dietary components—things like fiber, polyphenols, and fatty acids—and the diversity and functionality of gut microbes. But it doesn’t stop there. It also encourages researchers to explore the molecular messengers that link microbial activity to systemic effects throughout the body.

What makes this grant stand out isn’t just the money—it’s the independence and visibility it offers. The selection process is completely hands-off for the sponsors; proposals are evaluated by an independent panel of international experts who judge applications based on scientific quality, potential impact, novelty, and feasibility. Winners don’t just walk away with funding—they also gain exposure on Nature’s platforms and are invited to present their work at international events. This opens up new avenues for collaboration and gives their research a broader platform than most grants can offer.

Over the years, the program has funded some truly groundbreaking work. In Qatar, for example, Dr. Souhaila Al Khodor is investigating how viruses in the gut might be contributing to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). In St. Louis, Dr. Megan Baldridge is taking a closer look at how viral proteins interact with human cells, again in the context of IBD. In Cambridge, Dr. Virginia Pedicord is exploring the potential link between gut fungi and neurodegenerative diseases. Other grantees have tackled topics like small intestinal microbes and glucose metabolism, the impact of early-life microbiota on infant development, and even the gut’s role in long COVID.

These aren’t just academic questions—they have real-world implications. Understanding the mechanisms behind gut barrier integrity and microbial signaling could help pave the way for new interventions in conditions like metabolic syndrome, IBD, and even cognitive decline. For industry players—from pharma to food tech—this kind of mechanistic research can spark the development of next-generation probiotics, live biotherapeutics, personalized nutrition strategies, and diagnostic tools.

But beyond the science, the grant is building something perhaps even more valuable: a community. Each year’s awardees are welcomed into the Colloquium, a growing network of past recipients and reviewers who gather to share ideas, challenge assumptions, and build bridges across disciplines and continents. It’s an incubator not just for research, but for connection.

So, who can apply? The call is open to academic researchers with a PhD or MD, at least five years of postdoctoral experience, and an appointment at a non-profit institution (with a few country restrictions). The next grant cycle opens on June 10, 2025, and applications will be accepted until September 9. The winners will be announced early next year.

In a field that’s still uncovering just how central the gut is to our overall health, the Global Grants for Gut Health are doing more than supporting science—they’re accelerating a movement. Whether you’re a researcher with a bold idea, or a business looking for the next wave of gut-health innovation, this is a program worth watching.

And if you’re curious about the projects already funded or want to learn more about how to apply, you can dive into all the details on Nature’s interactive portal.