The Macular Society has an annual grant application round for research grants and PhD studentships.

We will consider applications for clinical or laboratory-based research projects which can positively impact people with macular disease. This may include research into causes and prevention, early detection, treatments or improving quality of life. Researchers are welcome to submit grant applications to carry out research on any type of macular disease.

We strongly advise researchers to read the Macular Society's new Research Strategy 2020-2030 (see below) and the Guidance for Applicants when preparing their grant applications. We also recommend looking at the Research Impact Report (see below) produced in 2019.

Any queries should be sent to research@macularsociety.org 

Research grants

Grants of up to £250,000 over three years are available for research at UK institutions only.

Projects can be for the maximum term or for a shorter period (e.g. two years), as long as the project is deemed to be good value for money.

PhD studentships

Studentships of up to £100,000 are available to cover a stipend, fees and consumables over three years.

PhD students should be based at a UK institution and a graduate in a relevant subject. 

Payment of PhD fees will be limited to the home rate. Students required to pay the international rate can still be recruited but will need to cover the balance from other sources.

There is a two-stage application process: 

Stage one – preliminary application 

Preliminary applications are reviewed and shortlisted by the Research Committee. Successful applicants are invited to complete a full application.

Stage two – full application 

Full applications are sent to external reviewers for peer review. The Research Committee then meets to consider the full applications and peer review feedback.

A final decision is made by the Board of Trustees. Applications should be submitted to research@macularsociety.org

Please note: as a charity, we cannot contribute to university overheads. You can read more about projects we are currently funding here.

Macular Society Research Committee Membership

Professor Luminita Paraoan CHAIR
Eye and Vision Science, Institute of Ageing and Chronic Disease, University of Liverpool

Stephen Stacey, Macular Society Trustee and lay member

Bill Best, Macular Society Trustee and lay member

Dr Imre Lengyel
Senior Lecturer, Centre for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Science, Queen's University Belfast

Professor Alexander Foss
Consultant Ophthalmologist, Department of Ophthalmology, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust

Professor Tariq Aslam
Professor of Ophthalmology and Interface Technologies, University of Manchester
Consultant Ophthalmologist, Manchester Royal Eye Hospital

Dr Michael Crossland
Specialist Optometrist & Hon Senior Research Associate University College London and Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Professor Adnan Tufail
Consultant Ophthalmologist at Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust & Professor of Ophthalmolgy at University College London

Professor Astrid Limb
Professor of Retinal Biology and Therapeutics, Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London