During an open grant call, Retina UK invites applications for funding for high quality research projects with clear translational potential. Applicants should note that projects must be clearly focused on increasing understanding and developing treatments for inherited retinal dystrophies, as per Retina UK’s charitable objectives. PhD studentships co-funded with the Macular Society must focus on inherited macular dystrophy.
Our Medical Advisory Board (MAB) meet after each submission deadline to discuss applications so that their recommendations can be considered by the Board of Trustees at their next meeting.
Research we fund
We are currently funding a range of exciting projects and programmes, all of which aim to enhance our understanding of inherited sight loss and inform the development of treatments.
Upcoming deadlines
Major grant call
Retina UK is delighted to be able to invite expressions of interest / preliminary applications to our first grant call for an award of up to £1 million. The call forms a key element of our targeted investment in transformative research that will change the therapeutic landscape for inherited retinal dystrophies.
Proposals should adhere to either the Career Development Award or Major Innovation Award category parameters outlined at:
This call will result in the award of one Career Development Award and / or one Major Innovation Award.
Expressions of interest should include the lead applicant’s CV.
For a preliminary application form and further information, please contact melanie.vicarage@RetinaUK.org.uk. The deadline for preliminary applications is 1 February 2025.
PhD grant round, in partnership with the Macular Society
Proposals must focus on inherited macular dystrophy.
Full application deadline: 6 January 2025 (see below for full application form)
Budget £120,000, to include stipend at UKRI rate.
The application process
We suggest that potential applicants first consult our Research Strategy and ensure that proposals are aligned with this: Retina UK Research Strategy (Word document | 62 KB)
Brief descriptions of work we are currently supporting can be found in Research we fund.
- Full application form (PDF file | 882 KB)- for Retina UK/Macular Society PhD studentships
- Full application form (Word document | 464 KB) – for Retina UK/Macular Society PhD studentships
The charity mainly – but not exclusively – funds research work in the UK. Applications from other countries will be considered but are only likely to be financed if a project is deemed “exceptional” by our MAB and demonstrates meaningful collaboration with UK scientists and institutions.
Full applications are peer reviewed and considered by the MAB. Peer review takes place in line with guidelines from the Association of Medical Research Charities, of which Retina UK is a member.
The MAB then make recommendations for grant funding to the Board of Trustees for formal approval. At this point a commitment is made for the first year of grant funding, subsequent years are approved in principle subject to research progress and, of course, the charity’s finances.
Applicants will be kept informed throughout the process.