In March 2009, The Gutsy Group sought applications for two years of research funding from medical and scientific investigators from the leading IBD research centres in Australia. Fourteen expressions of interest were received from applicants around the country. All applications were formally reviewed by The Gutsy Group’s Scientific Advisory Committee from which three researchers were requested to submit a more detailed grant application.

In determining the final, successful project, each submission was reviewed according to its overall relevance and its potential importance to the field of IBD. The criteria included:

• Originality and scientific validity of the proposal;
• Practical feasibility of the research methodology and the clinical and laboratory facilities available in order that the project could be successfully completed; and
• Experience and expertise of investigators.

Overall, the standard of applications that The Gutsy Group received was excellent and the research ideas innovative and promising. They also demonstrated that the commitment to research in Australia does exist, though is subject to the vagaries of funding procurement. If The Gutsy Group were able to procure sufficient additional sponsorship and funding, we would support other comparable, quality projects.