Towards a healthier world for everyone

Abstract

Many Trends in Parasitology readers will receive funding from the Wellcome Trust. The framework under which this support will continue over the next five years is outlined in Planning for the Future: the Wellcome Trust 2000–2005 (http://www.wellcome.ac.uk/). This mission statement explains the four core aims that the charity has set itself to achieve its primary goal of promoting research to improve human and animal health. These aims are: (1) to increase biomedical knowledge through active research; (2) to improve the resources for such research through career and facility development; (3) to enhance the translation of this research into policy, practice and commerce; and (4) to facilitate public engagement in the implications of biomedical research for society. Further background on the governance structure and guiding principles of the Wellcome Trust, its asset base and the overall projected allocation of its anticipated £600 million per annum income are given. Although this year plan’ will never be a bestseller, it is interesting coffee-break reading for those considering Wellcome Trust funding past, present and potential. We await with anticipation the next publication that cites the main focus and four supporting criteria for successful grant applications. SIH