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.
Improving wet AMD care through patient experience
A new study is exploring how people experience wet AMD treatment. The results will guide improvements in NHS eye care across the UK.
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Developing new visual tests to monitor macular disease
Researchers are developing new visual tests to detect subtle changes in vision in people with macular disease. These methods could allow accurate monitoring at home and improve early detection.
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Collecting of tissues to generate a picture of the ageing eye
Dr Amanda-Jayne Carr at UCL is contributing eye tissue data to a major UK-wide ageing initiative, using a powerful multi-omics approach to understand how ageing affects the body at every biological level.
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The function of retinal pericytes in wet AMD
This research project is investigating how abnormal blood vessel growth contributes to wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD). By studying candidate protein activity, the research aims to identify potential new ways to protect the retina and preserve vision.
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RNA-targeted therapy in Stargardt disease
This project explores a cutting-edge RNA-based therapy to treat Stargardt disease by selectively removing harmful genetic messages before they cause damage.
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Modelling metabolic dysfunction in AMD
Dr Paul Roberts at City St George’s, University of London explores a new approach to understanding retinal disease by using mathematical modelling. By simulating how the retina uses nutrients and removes waste, the research aims to provide insights that are difficult to obtain through traditional experiments alone.
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