Wellcome Trust

Climate action has enormous potential health benefits. Deaths attributable to fossil fuel-derived air pollution fell by 6.9% between 2016 and 2021, reports the The Lancet Countdown. The structured reduction in the use of fossil fuels represents a significant proportion of this decrease. The 2024 report also found that global investment in healthy, clean sources of energy is increasing. Unfortunately, so is investment in fossil fuels. To create real, lasting positive change, we need this to shift. Climate change continues to threaten the lives of millions of people around the world. Global leaders must invest in protecting people’s health, lives and livelihoods. The 2024 Lancet Countdown is a comprehensive report on the links between health and climate change. Funded by Wellcome and developed in close collaboration with World Health Organization, it represents the work of 122 leading experts in this space. Download the report for the latest data and opportunities for a healthier future. ⤵️🔗 https://lnkd.in/gyxHGCDr

The new Human Cell Atlas studies bring us one step closer to building a comprehensive map of the body’s cells. This map can advance our understanding of the human body in ways not previously possible – and shape the future of our health. Read more from BBC News ⤵️ https://lnkd.in/eSCsXy23

South Africa is among the countries most impacted by antimicrobial resistance (AMR). But there’s not always enough data to fully understand the impact on communities. That’s what Wellcome-funded research teams hope to change. Eh!woza and Esmita Charani, Associate Professor at the University of Cape Town, are working with local communities in Khayelitsha, South Africa, to better understand the impacts of AMR. How are they doing this? Through creative and educational workshops with residents in Khayelitsha. These workshops aim to empower people to learn more about AMR and contextualise their experiences. What have they learned so far from communities in Khayelitsha? 🟢 AMR is connected to complex social issues such as employment and access to clean water 🟢 Awareness of AMR among communities affected is necessary, but so is agency to act on it 🟢 We must encourage empathy between different groups, like ordinary residents and healthcare providers Find out more about community-led AMR research ⤵️ https://lnkd.in/dEJjvFMH

Understanding the health effects of climate change mitigation is crucial, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Climate mitigation involves actions to reduce current or avoid future greenhouse gas emissions. These actions tackle climate change head-on and can have positive health co-benefits. But there’s limited evidence in LMICs. Introducing our new Climate and Health funding call. We are inviting research teams based in LMICs to investigate climate change mitigation. The aim is to generate significant evidence on the health effects of these interventions. 🔍 What are we looking for? 🟢 Projects must investigate the health effects alongside the social and economic impacts of planned or implemented greenhouse gas mitigation strategies. 🟢 Research should reflect local priorities and produce evidence to drive positive climate and health outcomes. 🟢 Teams should be transdisciplinary to ensure research relevance and impact. 💰 What level of funding will we provide? We are awarding between £500,000 and £2 million per project for a duration of 2-4 years. 🗓 When can you apply? Pre-applications must be submitted by 18 February 2025. Visit our website to learn more about the opportunity and how to apply ⤵️ https://lnkd.in/eF2dtSXK

💡 Could AVATAR therapy help treat psychosis? Natalie is a participant in the AVATAR2 trial and Dr Clementine Edwards is the trial coordinator from King’s College London. Together, they share their insights on the therapy’s benefits. Learn more about AVATAR therapy: https://lnkd.in/eY__NeB7

A UK National Data Library could help science thrive. Wellcome and ESRC: Economic and Social Research Council are inviting experts to submit their technical visions, architectures and ideas. The deadline is 6 December 2024. Find out more about our Technical White Paper Challenge ⤵️ https://lnkd.in/eFks3UYa

Are you looking for fungi funding? 🍄 We’re offering up to £3 million per award to improve understanding of how fungi adapt to their environment. This knowledge will help us to harness their incredible potential to solve health challenges and safeguard ecosystems. Find out more at our webinar ⤵️ https://lnkd.in/eBEHKRh8

Rising temperatures made worse by climate change can have consequences not just for our physical health, but for mental health, too. What do we know about the impacts of heat on mental health so far? 🏥 Research has shown that hospitalisations for mental health problems tend to increase during heatwaves. ☀️ There’s also research that people with pre-existing mental health challenges can be at higher risk of dying during heatwaves. 💤 We know that heat can disrupt sleep, which in turn worsens mental health problems. Despite the impacts we already know about, we still don’t understand the exact links between heat and mental health problems. That’s what our Climate and Mental Health Award aims to change. We’re funding research teams to investigate how heat is connected to anxiety, depression and psychosis – and propose plans to address them. If we’re able to improve our understanding of the links between heat and mental health challenges, we’ll be better equipped to develop effective and meaningful interventions. Find out if you’re eligible for funding and apply by 21 January 2025 ⤵️ https://lnkd.in/eHtJmnvD

What are some of the direct impacts of extreme weather events on mental health? That’s what Collins Iwuji, faculty member at the Africa Health Research Institute (AHRI) in South Africa, aims to understand through his Wellcome-funded research. A big part of this is bringing together climate and mental health expertise. Working across disciplines, rather than within the limits of one’s expertise, helps address complex questions from different angles. Learn more about how Collins is facilitating this collaboration ⤵️ https://lnkd.in/e7xT2tm6

Antimicrobial resistance is a major health threat for everyone. In South Africa, it kills thousands of people every year. We still have a long way to go to fully understand antimicrobial resistance and develop effective interventions. Community-based knowledge is essential to achieving this. That’s why Wellcome-funded research teams are working with communities in Khayelitsha, South Africa, to explore the real-world impact of antimicrobial resistance. Find out how they're doing this and what they've learned so far ⤵️ #WAAW2024 https://lnkd.in/dEJjvFMH