Sepsis Research FEAT calls on researchers and clinicians to turn patient-led priorities into life-saving breakthroughs.
Sepsis Research FEAT, the UK’s only charity dedicated to funding sepsis research is urging the UK’s researchers, funders, academic institutions and NHS partners to act now on the national sepsis research priorities established through the first public and clinician-led initiative of its kind.
Following a two-year partnership with the James Lind Alliance, the charity identified the UK’s top ten research priorities for sepsis, based on nearly 900 questions submitted by survivors, bereaved families and frontline clinicians. The results were published in ‘Lancet Respiratory’ and ‘Anaesthesia’, and now form a nationally recognised roadmap to guide future research efforts.
“This is the moment we’ve been working towards,” said Stephen Moore, CEO at Sepsis Research FEAT. “We’ve listened to patients and clinicians. We’ve set the direction. Now we need the research community to step forward and help deliver the answers.”
The top three priorities identified through the process focus on faster, more accurate diagnosis of sepsis; better understanding and support for survivors facing long-term effects; and the urgent need for new treatment options beyond antibiotics, particularly in light of growing antimicrobial resistance.
Each of these reflects a real-world concern raised by those most affected by sepsis and presents a tangible opportunity for research that can directly improve outcomes.
Dr Andrew Conway Morris, Medical Director at Sepsis Research FEAT, said:
“Sepsis is not a single disease. It’s unpredictable and often misunderstood, which is why these priorities are so important. They give researchers the focus—and the real-world relevance—we need to make meaningful progress.”
Sepsis Research FEAT is actively encouraging researchers to use the top ten priorities as a foundation for funding applications. The charity is also working closely with NHS and academic partners to promote aligned projects, supporting research that reflects patient and clinical need.
The charity is now actively encouraging researchers to use the top ten priorities as a foundation for funding applications. It continues to work closely with NHS and academic partners to support projects that reflect patient and clinical need, while also engaging with under-represented communities to ensure future studies are inclusive and representative.
Sepsis Research FEAT is currently accepting funding applications for 2026. Funding for the 2025 research cycle has now been fully allocated, with this year’s grants awarded in partnership with Rosetrees, a family foundation that supports innovative medical research. Together, Sepsis Research FEAT and Rosetrees are the major funders for cutting-edge projects at the universities of Cambridge, Surrey and Imperial College, London. Focussing on genetic activity and diagnostics, support for these projects reflect a shared mission to optimise outcomes for people affected by sepsis.
While the 2025 funding call is now closed, researchers are encouraged to begin preparing proposals for the 2026 round. Details and deadlines will be announced in due course, and those wishing to be notified when applications open can sign up to the Sepsis Research FEAT newsletter. Information about funding opportunities is available at Sepsis Research.
“This work doesn’t stop with the publication of a list,” added Moore. “We now have a clear national direction, and we need everyone in the field to use it. Whether you’re in the lab, on the ward, or supporting from the sidelines, now is the time to act.”
To view the full list of sepsis research priorities or to support the next phase of work, visit Sepsis Research FEAT
- World-first breakthrough for bowel cancer immunotherapy - 24th October 2025
- The future of sepsis research - 24th October 2025
- Unpaid carers working longer hours - 24th October 2025