Takeda Pharmaceuticals U.S.A., through the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) Research Foundation, is funding three new research grants dedicated to support young investigators working on inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) research projects.

The AGA-Takeda Pharmaceuticals Research Scholar Awards in Inflammatory Bowel Disease will provide $90,000 per year for three years to scholars dedicated to establishing independent careers in IBD.

“The AGA Research Foundation is very grateful to have Takeda’s support for promising young researchers at a very vulnerable stage in their careers,” said Dr. Robert S. Sandler, chair of the AGA Research Foundation, in a press release. “Inflammatory bowel disease offers exciting opportunities for research, and we look forward to seeing how these three award recipients will advance our understanding of this serious digestive disease.”

The awards will ensure that recipients get financial support to conduct research projects that could potentially lead to IBD discoveries and improvements in patient care.

Interested researchers can apply here until Aug. 26, 2016 for funding that will begin July 1, 2017. The awards panel seeks applicants in the early years of careers who have shown exceptional promise and a record of accomplishments.

Dr. Karen Lasch, Takeda’s executive medical director of gastroenterology, said the future looks bright for IBD patients but continuing need exists for further scientific and clinical understanding.

“Providing young research investigators with the support they need to drive innovation and discovery is critical,” Lasch said.

The American Gastroenterological Association, founded in 1897, is a leading global organization for gastroenterology advocacy. It boasts 16,000 members worldwide who are involved in different aspects of IBD science, practice and research advancement.