Professor Gwo-Tzer Ho stood at a podium in front of a large screen showing a cover slide at the Crohn's Futures Meeting

New School of Infection & Immunity Professor of Gastroenterology Gwo-Tzer Ho recently hosted a landmark Crohn’s Futures Meeting over the course of three days in January 2025.

Bringing together leading experts in Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), a chronic immune-mediated disease with major health impacts, from across the world to discuss key directions for research and societal impact, the event was a significant moment for Scotland's growing role in IBD science.

Generously supported by the Helmsley Charitable Trust, the largest global funder of Crohn’s disease research, the gathering was held in the Edinburgh Futures Institute (Wednesday, 22 and Thursday, 23 January) and School of Infection and Immunity (Friday, 24 January) with a memorable Burns Supper at the Royal College of Surgeons, Edinburgh.

The meeting highlighted several groundbreaking research initiatives, and Glasgow's contribution to the event was notable, with Professor Kostas Gerasimidis presenting work from his nutritional unit at Glasgow Royal Infirmary, and Professor Ho showcasing Scottish-wide studies such as MUSIC IBD, which are supported by clinicians throughout Glasgow.

A major theme of the event was linking scientific advancements with tangible societal impact, with a special patient engagement session at the heart of the discussions. Mr Derek McEwan, founder of the Catherine McEwan Foundation, delivered an emotional presentation about losing his mother to Crohn’s disease, emphasising the importance of patient-centred care.

Katie’s House, the world’s first purpose-built center for IBD patients and carers, was also highlighted during the session. Molly Halligan, a Crohn’s disease patient, shared her inspiring story of leading a patient-led wellbeing project, a 100 per cent patient-driven initiative aimed at supporting those with IBD.

The event concluded with a Mucosal Immunology seminar hosted by Professor Simon Milling, which was switched to an online format due to Storm Eowyn’s arrival in the UK. The seminar included exceptional lectures from professors Balfour Sartor and Arian Ne Theiss.

The meeting also featured a memorable Burns Supper at the Royal College of Surgeons in Edinburgh, adding a touch of Scottish tradition to the academic discussions.

A gathering of Crohn's Futures Meeting attendees stood in a group shot facing the camera in formal attire,, including kilts, at the associated Burns Supper

Scotland is now at the forefront of innovative IBD research, with new studies linking immuno-metabolic and dietary approaches to clinical trials.Professor Ho's MARVEL study investigates mitochondrial antioxidants in Ulcerative colitis, while Professor Gerasimidis recently completed the BIOPIC study, focusing on diet’s potential in enhancing immune treatments for Crohn’s disease.

Another notable development is Scotland’s 'All-ages approach' a collaborative study involving both children and adults with IBD—a unique model in the world that is made possible by strong collaborative partnerships across the country.

With these strong local collaborations, Scotland is paving the way for meaningful advances in IBD research, positioning itself as a global leader in the field.

Professor Ho said: "Hosting this important meeting was an absolute pleasure.

"It’s a significant time for our research efforts to understand Crohn’s disease and make an immediate positive impact on society.

"Together with partners in Scotland and across the UK, I believe Glasgow will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of IBD treatment."

First published: 26 February 2025

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