Global Probiotics Council Announces Young Investigator Grant for Probiotics Research to Fund the Next Generation of Gut Microbiot...( ALEXANDRIA Va. Feb. 6 /- The Glob...)

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 6 /PRNewswire/ -- The Global Probiotics Council (GPC), a committee established in 2004 by Groupe DANONE and Yakult Honsha Co., Ltd., announced the Young Investigator Grant for probiotics research program (YIGPRO) today. The two annual grants are designed to stimulate innovative research and to support young investigators and attract new researchers in the United States into the field of probiotics and gut microbiota.

"Our two companies have demonstrated their long-standing commitment to advancing research in probiotics. This field continues to be one of the most promising for more discoveries that will benefit human health, which is why Danone and Yakult decided in 2004 to join forces and further encourage more research in a larger number of countries," said Sven Thormahlen, Executive Vice President R&D, Danone Research.

With this new initiative, "we will continue to contribute to bridging gaps in the field of probiotics and the gut" said Gerard Denariaz, Director of Danone's Probiotic Research.

"Emerging science on the regular consumption of probiotic-containing products shows how these products can help to regulate the intestinal ecosystem and benefit health. These grants will enable young investigators who are senior fellows, or junior faculty to further explore the health benefits of probiotics. These grants will also further advance understanding about the relationship between probiotics and the intestinal flora and are anticipated to expand the already stable research platform," says Mr. Ryuji Chino, Senior Managing Director, Yakult Honsha Co., Ltd.

The grants will provide opportunity for researchers in the fields of gastroenterology, immunology, genetics, molecular biology, cell biology, microbiology, and infectious disease to foster innovative ideas, sustain independence, and advance science.

Each Young Investigator Grant for Probiotic Research will provide $50,000 over one year. Research applic
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