Research grants and PhD studentships

Research grants

Grants of up to £300,000 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 £120,000 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.

PhD students should be awarded a stipend in line with the current UKRI rate, as a minimum. Stipends may increase each year of the project to account for inflation.

The scientific merit of the research project, its suitability as a PhD project and the research and training environment provided by the host department are all taken into account when assessing the applications.

PhD studentships can focus on any of the following:

• basic research
• epidemiology
• clinical research
• gene therapy
• stem cells
• visual rehabilitation
• new technology.

Application process

There is a two-stage application process for both types of grant:

Stage one – preliminary application

Preliminary applications are reviewed by our research committee and lay panel and shortlisted by the research committee. Successful applicants are invited to complete a full application.

The closing date this year for preliminary applications is 5pm 31 May 2024.

Stage two – full application

Full applications are sent to external reviewers for peer review and our lay panel. 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.