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.
Real-life costs and benefits of wearable low vision aids
A trial comparing different low vision aids such as magnifiers, smart devices and wearable technology to compare their cost and impact on quality of life
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Wrong place, wrong time: protein delivery and macular disease
Investigating the movement of a protein called TIMP-3, which may be involved in AMD and Sorsby Fundus Dystrophy. To understand how the mutation leads to dysfunction and disease.
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New form of gene editing for macular dystrophies
Study testing a new form of CRISPR gene editing to increase expression of a gene. This research could help treat more patients with macular dystrophy.
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Mutations in CFI gene: which are harmless or harmful?
Analysing mutations in the gene CFI which has been associated with AMD. This research aims to determine which may lead to AMD and which may not.
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Investigating the genetics of cone dystrophy
Exploring gene therapy for cone dystrophy, aiming to slow or halt vision loss from RPGR (Retinitis pigmentosa GTPase regulator) mutations.
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Using gene therapy to investigate the pathways involved in AMD progression
This project will investigate the role of the ageing process in vision decline, with the aim of identifying novel targets for further research into potential therapies. It will use gene editing to create a variety of models of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), the cell layer that provides photoreceptors with nutrients, to examine what is happening at a molecular level in the progression of age-related macular degeneration.
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