Natasha’s Foundation has pledged a landmark £10m to fund research aimed at preventing food allergies from developing in early life.
Natasha’s Prize comes nearly 10 years after 15-year-old Natasha Ednan-Laperouse died from a severe allergic reaction to sesame in July 2016.
The investment will bring together leading scientists to tackle what the charity, which was previously called the Natasha Allergy Research Foundation, describes as a “food allergy epidemic” affecting 220 million people worldwide.
Food allergy cases have doubled in the UK over the past decade, with one in 13 children now affected, according to the charity. Research suggests the rise is driven by environmental changes such as industrial farming, climate change and pollution, as well as genetic factors, changes to our immune system and diets filled with ultra-processed foods.
Launched by Natasha’s parents, Nadim and Tanya Ednan-Laperouse, who co-founded the foundation, Natasha’s Prize represents the largest fund for food allergy research ever awarded in the UK. Leading scientists believe it could “transform the food allergy landscape for future generations”.
Natasha’s Prize includes donations from Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda and M&S, as well as Pret a Manger owner JAB and donations raised through The Times and The Sunday Times’ Christmas Appeal.
From 1 June, scientists from around the world are invited to apply to Natasha’s Prize. Successful applicants will be brought together later this year to develop solutions to prevent food allergies from developing between conception and age two.
The most promising and impactful ideas will then be invited to submit detailed proposals. The foundation’s trustees, along with the prize’s scientific advisory panel, will select the research it will fund, with the winners announced on 1 June 2027.
“This prize has been in our hearts for a long time,” said Tanya Ednan-Laperouse. “It is 10 years this year since Natasha died and, like everything we do, it is dedicated to our daughter Natasha and all those who live with and have lost their lives to food allergy.
“Natasha’s Prize offers a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create a future without food allergy. It will fund research focused on turning back the dial on a disease that affects millions of people both in the UK and around the world, leaving many living in fear.
“We want this prize to galvanise the best science to stop food allergy before it starts, so no other families have to go through the heartbreak we will always endure.”
Ashwin Prasad, CEO of Tesco UK, said: “We’re proud to sponsor the very first Natasha’s Prize and support the great work of Natasha’s Foundation. It’s exciting to see the potential answers that this prize will bring as part of their mission to make allergy a thing of the past.”
Guy Stuart, director of technical at Sainsbury’s, said: “We’re proud to support Natasha’s Prize, a bold step towards a future without food allergies. This initiative will help drive new understanding and progress towards prevention.”
Rachel Eyre, CCO at Asda, said: “Asda is delighted to support Natasha’s Prize and help drive forward the mission to make food allergies history.”
Alex Freudmann, MD of M&S Food, said: “M&S Food is for everyone, which is why we’re proud to support pioneering research into preventing food allergies. We’re pleased to be working with Natasha’s Foundation to support research that helps more people enjoy food safely and confidently.”
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