By funding ground-breaking studies, we empower clinical and academic researchers to advance understanding and treatment across a wide range of conditions and specialties – all with the aim of changing and saving lives.
We work with thousands of patient and public volunteers to conduct research driving the next generation of treatments and care.
Research Funding Programme
Our Research Funding Programme supports the broader landscape of development and innovation in the following ways:
- Pioneering research – Supporting projects that push the boundaries of medical knowledge and lead to tangible advancements in care.
- Local focus, global reach – Advancing discoveries in Southampton that help patients locally, while shaping healthcare practices worldwide.
- Collaboration – Working with NHS and university partners to ensure research funding is strategic, effective and impactful.
- Growing our impact – Increasing our investment in research each year, with a commitment to making a genuine contribution to healthcare innovation and treatments.
What we fund
The research we fund doesn’t just advance knowledge and understanding, it improves care, treatment, and outcomes for patients. Your support will allow us to provide more grants and funding opportunities to the following areas:
- Medical research – Funding comprehensive health research that develops new treatments and cures.
- Seed funding – Supporting pilot studies or smaller projects to attract larger grants from major funders.
- Practice-based research – Enabling clinicians to conduct practical, evidence-based research within hospital settings to improve patient care and treatment.
- Bridge funding – Ensuring projects continue during funding gaps with short-term, smaller grants.
By prioritising these areas of funding, we can accelerate the development of new treatments for life-changing conditions and provide hope to patients and their families.
Your support in action
Life-saving research into Type 2 diabetes and liver disease
Southampton Hospitals Charity has proudly contributed funding toward the REFLEX study, led by Professor Chris Byrne, addressing the often-overlooked risk of liver disease in individuals with type 2 diabetes.
Liver disease, frequently undiagnosed until advanced stages, poses serious health threats, including cirrhosis and cancer. The REFLEX team has developed a portable ultrasound scanner enabling early detection of liver scarring in community settings like GP surgeries, facilitating timely intervention.
The study aims to integrate early liver screening into standard diabetes care, particularly for high-risk groups, and is evaluating the cost-effectiveness of this approach to promote widespread adoption.
“The support from Southampton Hospitals Charity has been instrumental in driving local research with the potential to make a global impact. By investing in pioneering studies right here in our community, the charity is not only transforming care for patients locally but also shaping breakthroughs that resonate far beyond our region.”
Professor Chris Byrne, REFLEX study
Groundbreaking research drives advancements that improve health and save lives. But there’s still more to uncover, more lives to improve and futures to shape. To support our work, you can donate below.