To mark One Medicine Month this May, the charity Humanimal Trust has announced a new round of research funding with the launch of its latest Connections Award.
The £10,000 fund will be split between two multidisciplinary projects that aim to benefit both human and animal patients, advancing the Trust’s mission to drive One Medicine – an approach that unites human and animal medical, healthcare and associated professionals for the benefit of all species.
Founded in 2014 by orthopaedic veterinary surgeon, Professor Noel Fitzpatrick, Humanimal Trust is the only organisation in the UK with the sole and specific purpose of progressing One Medicine.
This is the third time the Trust has awarded small-project funding – the only fund of its kind to support One Medicine. Connections Awards announced in 2023 and 2024 are already supporting:
- A student-led study on the levels of environmental toxins in humans and animals living in the same household.
- A project uniting specialists in human and veterinary dentistry and maxillofacial surgery to explore research into diseases of the head and neck affecting all species
- A student-led survey investigating One Medicine awareness among healthcare professionals in Ghana
In addition to the Connections Awards, the Trust launched a major £250,000 One Medicine Cancer Discovery Fund in November 2024 to support collaborative research with the potential to improve cancer outcomes across species.
Andrea Short, research and scientific outreach manager at Humanimal Trust, said: “A One Medicine approach can and will be more sustainable, develop treatments faster and more efficiently, and ensure that cutting-edge medical breakthroughs benefit people and animals equally.
“Through our Connections Awards and other One Medicine research funding, we remain committed to developing a strong evidence base that highlights the urgent need for greater regulatory support for cross-species medical developments and increased investment in multi-disciplinary research. We look forward to receiving applications to this year’s Award.”
The application process will commence later this year, and all submissions will be reviewed by the charity’s Science Committee, made up of leading human and animal health professionals, academics and researchers from around the world.
The 2025 Connections Award announcement coincides with One Medicine Month – a time to reflect on the shared health challenges of humans and animals, and to inspire public support for ethical, collaborative medical research. Over 22,000 people have already signed the Humanimal Trust Pledge, affirming their support for the charity’s vision.
Joe Bailey, CEO of Humanimal Trust, said: “Throughout May, our One Medicine Month activities will highlight the benefits of One Medicine and encourage everyone to get involved, whether that’s by joining our One Medicine Network for professionals, fundraising for Humanimal Trust or signing up to receive our newsletter, One Medicine Matters.”
This month also sees the launch of Humanimal Trust’s refreshed brand identity, new website, and exclusive 100 Club. Open to just 100 members – including businesses, organisations and individuals – the club offers exclusive access to events, employee engagement, networking, and volunteering opportunities. Members commit to a minimum monthly donation of £100 for at least one year.
The first to join the 100 Club is Leucillin Antiseptic Skincare. Alan Bashforth, director of Leucillin, said: “We are proud to support Humanimal Trust’s mission and to help bring One Medicine to the forefront of medical progress. By joining the 100 Club, we are investing in a future where medical collaboration benefits both human and animal patients alike.”
You can find more information on the Humanimal Trust website or by contacting them via email.
