The head of Oxford Vaccine Group, Prof Pollard, and his colleague Dr Simon Drysdale, were thrilled to be awarded a grant to investigate the possible links between bacteria in the human microbiome and RSV infection during childhood by the BMA Foundation. 

Research is central to the values of being a doctor, inspiring us in our individual practice, and in our collective quest to advance medical care on behalf of our patients. - Chaand Nagpaul, BMA council chair

Their grant was one of a total of £725,000 awarded to a dozen medical research projects, during a special ceremony at BMA House on 5 December.

The BMA is an independent charity that aims to support doctors and scientists in their medical research endeavours through providing financial support.

Foundation grants are made up from past bequests and donations to the foundation, and are designed to cover costs for basic and clinical research across a range of medical specialities.

Find out more about the BMA Foundation Awards.