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 £250,000, 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.
How do ageing mitochondria work and communicate differently?
Looking at how mitochondria age to better understand the damage and changes that can occur with AMD, and how the damage could be stopped or reversed.
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A virtual VI rehabilitation assistant
Professor Dickinson is looking to create a ‘chat-bot’ to help answer patients’ questions about their macular disease or living with sight loss.
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Investigating early onset macular degeneration
Research to better understand early onset macular degeneration, and how it may provide insight into causes and treatment of age-related macular degeneration.
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New treatment option for wet AMD
Looking at a new protein for treating those with wet AMD who do not respond to anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) drugs.
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Turning off faulty genes to treat macular dystrophy
New research using antisense oligonucleotide gene therapy to treat Doyne honeycomb dystrophy, a dominant genetic macular disease.
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Using data science to diagnose AMD sooner and detect change over time
Using data from thousands of patients. Researchers want to better understand the factors involved in the development of age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
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