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.
Manchester Eye Tissue Repository Genome-Transcriptome Project
Investigating the gene changes that are responsible for macular dystrophies to improve genetic diagnosis and find new treatment options
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Creating a wet AMD drug using flower compounds
Creating and testing compounds found in rare flowers, in the hope of finding a new drug for wet AMD for people that don’t respond to current treatments.
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Understanding ABCA4 and predicting the future
This research is looking into why changes in the ABCA4 gene can cause macular dystrophies in some people, but others with these same changes remain healthy.
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Creating a blood test to detect early AMD
Research is looking into a protein found in high levels in retinal cells of age-related macular disease patients. This protein could be used for treatment or diagnosis.
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A virtual visually impaired rehabilitation assistant
This project 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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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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