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Professor Rachael Pearson, KCL Centre for Gene Therapy & Regenerative Medicine - £24,912

The macula, located in the retina at the back of the eye, is responsible for central vision, colour perception, and fine detail. Despite its crucial role, we still know very little about the genes that need to be switched on to form it during early pregnancy. The project aimed to identify which genes are switched on in macular development and how disruptions to these processes can affect vision.

Dr David Sauer, University of Oxford - £25,000

Proline is an amino acid that plays a vital role in maintaining the health of the macula. It is one of the key nutrients supplied to photoreceptor cells by the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), helping them function and survive. This project investigated how proline is transported within the macula, and how disruptions to this process may contribute to macular diseases such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and Macular Telangiectasia type 2 (MacTel2).

Dr Richard Unwin, Manchester University -£23,931

Early age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is closely linked to the switching on and off of the part of the immune system called the complement system. This system is genetically influenced and plays a key role in inflammation and defending against bacterial infections.

Dr Nicole Noel, Institute of Ophthalmology, UCL  - £25,000

Researchers at UCL’s Institute of Ophthalmology are studying the African turquoise killifish which naturally develops many of the same retinal changes seen in people with age-related macular degeneration (AMD), but within a much shorter lifespan.

Dr Jian Liu, University of Bristol - £24,946

Dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) currently has no effective treatment, but this study is exploring a promising new two-step approach. Researchers are testing whether combining gene editing with an existing anti-inflammatory drug could protect the cells that support vision. By boosting a key protective protein in the retina, this project could open the door to a powerful new treatment strategy for dry AMD.

Mr Martin McKibbin, Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust - £21,922

Understanding how patients experience treatment for wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is vital to improving care. This study is developing a new way to collect patient feedback across the NHS, ensuring that future treatment pathways reflect the real needs and experiences of those living with wet AMD.

Dr Richard Leadbeater, University of Leicester - £21,866

Monitoring macular disease early and accurately is vital for protecting sight. This project is developing innovative visual tests designed to detect subtle changes in vision that current methods often miss, helping patients and clinicians track disease progression more effectively.

Dr Amanda-Jayne Carr, UCL - £15,405

This research project uses a cutting-edge multi-omics approach to study how ageing affects the eye. By integrating data on genes, proteins, RNA, and metabolites, the research aims to build a complete picture of cellular changes in the ageing eye.

Dr Mihaela Crisan - University of Edinburgh - £25,000

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.

Dr Cerys Manning - University of Manchester - £24,920

This research project explores a promising new approach to treating Stargardt disease, a genetic condition that causes progressive vision loss. By targeting faulty messages within cells, the research aims to preserve sight and slow disease progression.