Launch of £10m Allergy Research Prize
The parents of Natasha Ednan-Laperouse, a teenager who died from an allergic reaction after consuming a Pret A Manger baguette, have initiated a £10 million prize to support allergy research.
Natasha Ednan-Laperouse, aged 15, from Fulham, west London, passed away in July 2016 due to a severe allergic reaction triggered by sesame seeds baked into a pre-packaged sandwich. The sesame was not listed as an ingredient on the packaging, and the seeds were not visible to the naked eye.
Campaign for Legal Change and Foundation Establishment
Following Natasha's death, her parents successfully campaigned for legislative changes requiring food outlets to provide comprehensive ingredient lists and allergy labelling on foods made and packaged on-site for direct sale.
They have stated that Natasha's Prize aims to "create a future without allergies."
Tanya and Nadim Ednan-Laperouse, who established Natasha's Foundation in 2019, described the prize as the largest fund ever awarded in the UK for food allergy research.
Focus on Early Intervention in Allergy Development
It is noted that no infant is born with a food allergy; however, allergy rates have increased in recent years.
The foundation has identified the first 1,000 days from conception as a critical period for study and intervention to prevent food allergies.
Dedication and Vision Behind the Prize
Tanya Ednan-Laperouse OBE commented on the significance of the prize:
"This prize has been in our hearts for a long time.
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."
She further expressed their intention for the prize to "galvanise the best science to stop food allergy."
Global Scientific Collaboration Invited
Scientists worldwide are invited to apply for the prize. A scientific advisory panel will select applicants who will collaborate to develop solutions aimed at preventing food allergies.
The foundation plans to announce the funded research projects on 1 June 2027.
Support from Scientific Ambassador
Dame Dr Maggie Aderin, a space scientist and ambassador for Natasha's Prize, emphasized the impact of food allergies on children's lives:
"As kids are born, if they develop food allergy it can affect the rest of their lives.
But if we can stop food allergy right from birth, they will have a completely different life."
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