Call for Research Grant Applications
Retina UK invites applications for funding for high quality research projects looking at the causes and potential treatments for all forms of inherited retinal disease. Potential applicants should note that only projects that are clearly focused on our charitable objectives will be considered.
The 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.
USH2A-associated retinitis pigmentosa funding
Retina UK has been offered a generous donation to fully fund one research project, with a maximum budget of £250,000, to accelerate progress towards a therapy to address sight loss in USH2A-mediated retinitis pigmentosa.
Retina UK therefore invites applications for a grant to address mutation-independent therapy development specifically for USH2A-associated retinitis pigmentosa, or therapy development for retinitis pigmentosa that would also benefit USH2A patients. Proposals should be aimed at improving vision, or preventing or slowing further vision loss, and should have significant translational potential.
Applications from outside the UK will be considered but are only likely to be financed if a project is deemed exceptional by our Medical Advisory Board and demonstrates meaningful collaboration with UK scientists and institutions.
Applications will be peer reviewed via the usual Retina UK AMRC-compliant peer review process. The donor will not be involved in the peer review process. This grant round will result in one award only, which will be fully covered by the donation and will not impact on other Retina UK research funds.
The deadline for preliminary applications is 1 February 2022.
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
Brief descriptions of work we are currently supporting can be found in Research we fund
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.
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.
