Research into asthma

New funding is available for research that could improve the lives of people with asthma.

The Scottish Government and Asthma UK are offering an innovation grant of up to £60,000 to explore the use of digital technology to help patients – this could be linked to ‘smart inhalers’, other devices or similar.

Health Secretary Shona Robison said:

“We are committed to providing the best-quality care and treatment for people living with asthma in Scotland.

“In partnership with the Asthma UK Centre for Applied Research at the University of Edinburgh we have already invested £300,000 in asthma research, and I’m really pleased to now invite applications for this innovation fund.

“Collaborative working like this is crucial to enhance resarch, develop treatments and find new ways to improve the lives of people living with asthma.”

Dr Erika Kennington, Head of Research at Asthma UK, said:

“We are delighted to partner with the Scottish Government’s Chief Scientist Office to joint-fund an innovation grant into asthma and new technology. This area of digital health provides an exciting opportunity to improve care for the 5.4 million people with asthma in the UK, helping more people stay well by offering personalised support to manage their condition.

“We look forward to seeing applications which include innovative project ideas that could really make a difference for people with asthma, and hope that this will bring us one step closer to preventing asthma attacks and curing asthma.”

Asthma UK and the Scottish Government are contributing £30,000 each for an innovation grant to explore novel applications of digital technology in asthma, which could significantly enhance the quality of health and care for people with asthma and addresses an area of unmet need that aligns with one or more the priorities set out by European Asthma Research and Innovation Partnership (EARIP).

Applications can be made between 21 May and 29 June.