The SNP Government and Asthma UK are each contributing offering an innovation grant of £30,000 for research to improve the lives of people with asthma.
The funding will be used to explore novel applications of digital technology in asthma, which could significantly enhance the quality of health and care for people with the condition and addresses an area of unmet need that aligns with one or more the priorities set out by European Asthma Research and Innovation Partnership (EARIP).
The funding will be used over a period of up to 18 months to explore the use of digital technology to help patients. This could be linked to ‘smart inhalers’ or other devices of a similar nature.
Health Secretary Shona Robison MSP said:
“We are committed to providing the best-quality care and treatment for people living with asthma in Scotland.
“In partnership with the Asthma UK Centre for Applied Research at the University of Edinburgh we have already invested £300,000 in asthma research, and I’m really pleased to now invite applications for this innovation fund.
“Collaborative working like this is crucial to enhance research, develop treatments and find new ways to improve the lives of people living with asthma.”
Kenneth Gibson added:
“In Scotland we have 368,000 people who suffer from asthma, including 72,000 children, and according to NHS Ayrshire & Arran, people here are at a significantly higher risk of being hospitalised due to the condition.
“While I have some reservations about digitalisation and automisation where it adversely impacts on employment, the administration of medication is a perfect example of where we can only benefit from such technology to manage conditions such as asthma.
“I wish all applicants good luck and am confident that the results will benefit asthma patients across North Ayrshire and Scotland in the future.”
Applications can be made between 21 May and 29 June via the Chief Scientist Office.
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