Many European associations for people with Crohn's Disease or Ulcerative Colitis (together known as "Inflammatory Bowel Disease"; IBD) sensed that their members would like to contribute to scientific research to improve IBD treatments.  The associations concluded that a joint initiative to meet these needs would have a much better chance of success than individual initiatives. Within the European Federation of Crohn's and Ulcerative Colitis Associations (EFCCA) this idea was developed. 

  In January 2008, the IBD Research Foundation was officially established. In close collaboration with national associations that are members of EFCCA, the foundation will be involved in promotional activities in order to raise funds. The association may be supported by people who are members of their national association, people who have IBD but are not members of a national association (yet), as well as organisations that have an interest in IBD. What's more, the foundation may be supported by people who sympathise with those who have IBD, such as family members and friends. The foundation will try to reach them all. As there are over 1 million people with IBD in Europe, the potential is very promising. Furthermore, the foundation will look for concrete research projects to sponsor as soon as possible.

The structure of the foundation guarantees that it represents the patient's perspective when deciding which kind of research to sponsor. After all, the constitution requires that a majority of members of the supervisory board are also EFCCA board members. In order to be able to assess the quality of applications for sponsorship, a committee of experts will be established.

The aim of this initiative is to make available substantial funding for research projects which will innovate and accelerate IBD treatment.

For information and donations see www.ibdresearch.org.