Cleft lip and/or palate (CLP) is a distressing but common birth defect affecting 1 in every 600 to 700 children born in the UK. The Healing Foundation wishes to support a major programme of research treating all aspects of CLP. The research programme will address key questions across the full range of surgical, scientific, therapeutic and information issues. This investment will represent the UK’s most significant advance in better understanding CLP and offer real hope of improved care and possible prevention for future patients.