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
Project grant round
Preliminary application deadline: 11 October 2024 (see below for preliminary application form). Budgets typically in the region of £250,000-£350,000 over two to three years.
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.
Project grant applicants should submit, by the preliminary application deadline, a short outline of the intended research project to the charity. Please use the preliminary application form and email completed form to grants@RetinaUK.org.uk. Please note that there is no preliminary stage for PhDs, these go straight to full application.
- Preliminary application form (PDF file | 52 KB) – for project grants
- Preliminary application form (Word document | 53 KB) – for project grants
- 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.