Our research projects
Since 1987 the Macular Society has invested around £10 million in over 100 research projects. Each year we invite applications for research grants, PhD studentships and seedcorn grants which are assessed by our Research Committee.
Research grants
Research grants are for projects of up to three years duration and up to £300,000, which covers everything from laboratory chemicals to salaries.
PhD studentships
A PhD studentship funds a student to undertake a three year research project. The student submits a thesis for qualification of the degree, which is the highest level of academic degree attainable.
Seedcorn projects
A seedcorn grant is funding of up to £25,000 to generate preliminary data to advance innovative and novel ideas.
Fellowships
A fellowship is an award that provides funding for individuals to pursue research, study, training, or professional development.
Exploring changes in the early stages of AMD
Using new technology to investigate why people with early age-related macular disease (AMD) may have difficulty adjusting to changes in light.
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Studying retinal ageing in a rapidly ageing fish
Dr Nicole Noel’s research uses killifish to study how ageing affects the retina. By comparing fish and human data, this project reveals how macular degeneration develops and how it might one day be prevented.
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Looking at patients’ experiences of wet AMD treatment
Developing a questionnaire to understand people’s experiences of wet AMD care in NHS eye care across the UK and identify where services could be improved.
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Mutations in CFI gene: which are harmless or harmful?
Investigating how different mutations in the CFI gene affect the risk of AMD and how this could lead to more personalised treatments.
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New form of gene editing for macular dystrophies
Testing a new gene-editing approach that could potentially treat a wider range of inherited macular dystrophies.
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