There are many research projects in progress which aim to learn more about cleft lip and palate, its causes, and the best way to treat and support people affected by cleft.
CLAPA works to make sure that the UK cleft community have opportunities to get involved with research studies. This could be as a participant in a study, or as someone with lived experience who helps to guide how the research itself is carried out. We also support researchers and NHS clinicians to reach and involve the UK cleft community.
On this page, you can learn more about large research projects like CRANE and the Cleft Collective, or read recent research summaries shared with CLAPA.
Major cleft research projects
Cleft@18-23
Cleft@18-23 is an NIHR-funded research programme which investigates outcomes at the end of routine care for 18–23-year-olds born with a cleft of the lip or palate or both.
The Cleft Collective
The Cleft Collective is a UK-wide research programme investigating the causes of cleft, the best treatments for cleft and the long-term wellbeing of those affected it was launched in 2012 and is one of the largest cleft lip and palate research programme in the world.
The CRANE Database
The CRANE database records information about children and adults born with cleft lip and cleft palate in the UK. It is the best place to go for up to date statistics on the UK cleft community.
Latest research summaries
CLAPA publishes summaries of research projects which we think are relevant and useful to the UK’s cleft community. Learn more about sharing your research with CLAPA.
Remember, research can take a long time to carry out, so it can be years before the results of a study can be published.
For more research on cleft lip and palate, check out the Cleft Palate Craniofacial Journal.
Browse research summaries
Treatment Decision Making in Adults with Cleft
CLAPA’s ‘Whole of Life’ Survey in 2018 was a comprehensive questionnaire for adults in the UK born with a cleft. This research paper looks at the responses people gave about their experiences with surgical, dental and psychological treatment. This paper was first published in the Cleft Palate Craniofacial Journal (CPCJ).
Interpersonal Relationships in Adults with Cleft
CLAPA’s ‘Whole of Life’ Survey in 2018 was a comprehensive questionnaire for adults in the UK born with a cleft. This research paper looks at the responses people gave about their experiences with interpersonal relationships, including family and romantic relationships. This paper was first published in the Cleft Palate Craniofacial Journal (CPCJ).
Emotional Wellbeing in Adults Born with a Cleft
CLAPA’s ‘Whole of Life’ Survey in 2018 was a comprehensive questionnaire for adults in the UK born with a cleft. This research paper looks at the responses people gave about their emotional wellbeing. This paper was first published in the Cleft Palate Craniofacial Journal (CPCJ).