Research Projects

CLEFT-Funded Research Projects

CLEFT is proud to support a wide range of research initiatives aimed at improving cleft care globally. All projects funded by the charity are available to view, organised in date order to help you explore our evolving research journey. Earlier projects, funded under the original structure of the charity, can be found in the archive section.

Our research vision

At CLEFT, our vision is of a future where clefts are preventable. Until we get there, we want to improve the lives of those born with cleft lip and palate. Read more

Latest

Call for Research Proposals 2026

We invite researchers to submit high quality proposals for research grants of up to a maximum of £60,000. Proposals should focus on either clinical or basic science questions relevant to CLEFT’s research objectives. We welcome applications for smaller grants.
Georgie's Half Marathon Fundraiser

I’m fundraising to support CLEFT, a charity close to my heart, helping children born with cleft lip and palate access life-changing surgery and care. Inspired by my mum’s experience, I want to raise awareness and give back so more families receive the support they need.
Gozde's first ever Half Marathon to raise funds for CLEFT

This October, I’m taking on my first ever half marathon to raise money for CLEFT. Running 13.1 miles is not something I would normally do, but after working with CLEFT over the past three years and seeing the impact of their work, I wanted to push myself to take on this challenge for a cause I really believe in.
Ollie's Half Marathon for CLEFT

This October, I'm taking on the Royal Parks Half Marathon: 13.1 miles through four of London's most beautiful parks to raise money for CLEFT. I am raising money to provide long-term, sustainable ways to improve cleft care both in the UK and overseas.

Donate to CLEFT

You can make a one-off donation today or sign up to giving a regular monthly gift. All donations, small or large, will help us to improve the lives of those born with cleft lip and palate both now and in the future.
Our mission

CLEFT was established in 2007 with one aim, to help improve the lives of children born with cleft lip and palate, either by funding research into the likely causes of the condition or by helping support teams in lower and middle income countries.
National Institute of Burns and Plastic Surgery

We are working with Bangladeshi specialists at the new National Institute of Burns and Plastic Surgery to create a sustainable centre to treat children with cleft lip and palate.
Nawrin and the C-Arm

This important piece of equipment was supplied by CLEFT and is used to see moving images of the cleft palate. Nawrin is a 13 year old girl who was experiencing speech difficulties and needed the C-Arm to show the cleft team if further surgery was required.
About us

CLEFT was established in 2007 by cleft surgeon Brian Sommerlad - based at Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, together with a former patient and a patient's grandmother.
The genetics of cleft lip and palate

Investigations into the genetics of cleft lip and palate to understand more about why cleft lip and palate occurs.
Brian Sommerlad, Consultant Plastic Surgeon and Chair of Trustees

For over 40 years, I have been involved in operating on babies, children and adults who have been born with cleft lip and/or palate.
Our research vision

At CLEFT, our vision is of a future where clefts are preventable. Until we get there, we want to improve the lives of those born with cleft lip and palate.
Trusts and Foundations

Today, 1-in-700 babies in the UK are born with a cleft lip and palate, the most common form of birth defect. The impact on a child’s life as they grow is profound. Typically, they will need at least four operations. They may also require ongoing tests, treatment or therapy. It will affect the way they look but also their speech, hearing and dental development. It can leave deep psychological scars.
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