The M-in-M Programme fosters global partnerships in celiac disease research by pairing early-career professionals (“Mentees”) with established experts (“Mentors”). It provides early-career researchers with opportunities to travel and collaborate internationally, supported by grants that promote knowledge exchange, professional training, and cross-border research collaboration. Through these efforts, the programme aims to expand and strengthen the global specialist community.

The ISSCD is delighted to share the achievements and research from the M-in-M Alumni, Mentors and partners to inspire both mentees and mentors worldwide who are considering joining this collaborative programme.

The ISSCD sat down with Professor David Sanders, who has been a key Mentor in the M-in-M Programme since it’s outset 4 years ago.

Prof Sanders shares why this type of programme is essential to support the next generation of celiac disease researchers and to continue to drive innovation in the field. 

At a pivotal stage in her career, Elin Malmberg Hård af Segerstad, Clinical Dietitian and Researcher in Paediatric Celiac Disease, was eager to expand her research network and begin developing independent research ideas. 

With a strong interest in building international collaborations particularly with clinically focused research groups. Elin reflects on how she first discovered the programme, what inspired her focus on celiac disease research, and the professional and personal growth Elin gained through participation.

One exciting outcome of Elin’s participation in the M-in-M Programme is an international survey for dietitians. 

The survey aims to explore how dietitians around the world think about and advise on gluten cross-contact and the gluten-free diet. Your input will help build clearer, more consistent guidance for patients everywhere.

The M-in-M programme is supported by the partners of the ISSCD through un-restricted funding to support the mission and goals of the ISSCD. 

Inside the Fight Against Celiac Disease

A Conversation with Dr Dan Leffler, Executive Medical Director and Celiac Disease Global Program Lead at Chugai Pharmaceuticals.

Despite the progress we’ve made, celiac disease is still widely misunderstood and underappreciated. This isn’t just among the public, it extends to non-specialist clinicians, government agencies, and even parts of the healthcare industry.

There’s still confusion about the scale of unmet needs, what patients are really experiencing, and what they’re looking for. The celiac population is growing and becoming more diverse, yet awareness hasn’t fully kept pace.

Raising Awareness and Advancing Care in Celiac Disease

A Conversation with Nelson Cheinquer, Global Medical Affairs Lead, Takeda

Everything we do is centred on the patient. That’s our guiding principle.

Our ultimate goal is to bring new therapies to people who need them. While a gluten-free diet works for many, some patients continue to experience symptoms and intestinal damage. That’s why adjunct therapies are so important.