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
Grant call – January 2026
Retina UK invites applications for funding for innovative, high quality research projects investigating the causes and potential treatments for all forms of inherited retinal disease. We are particularly keen to receive proposals with demonstrable translational potential. Applicants should note that only projects that are clearly focused on our charitable objectives will be considered. Project grants typically run for two to three years with budgets in the region of £250,000 to £300,000.
The deadline for preliminary applications for project grants (brief outline of proposal and budget) is 1 April 2026. Please send your preliminary application to [email protected].
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 | 67 KB)
Brief descriptions of work we are currently supporting can be found in Research we fund.
- Preliminary grant application form (PDF file | 231 KB)
- Preliminary grant application form (Word document | 54 KB)
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.