Apply for the MDFA Research Grants Program for projects commencing in 2021

Applications are now open for the next round of MDFA Research Grants, offering a total grant pool of up to $1,000,000 for research beginning in 2021.

MDFA has also announced the Grant Family Fund – an additional new stream of funding to early-career researchers for ‘blue-sky’ research in the field of macular disease. This is a legacy gift in honour of the late Faye Grant, and her father, the late Ronald Grant. A total grant pool of up to $100,000 is available.

Read the 2020 Research Grants Program media release: “Million-dollar funding for macular disease research on World Sight Day”

Read about the establishment of the Grant Family Fund, a lasting legacy to ‘best mates’

The MDFA Research Grants Program funds world-leading research that aims to reduce the incidence and impact of macular disease. MDFA has committed more than $4.1 million to 21 research projects since 2011.

MDFA grants are awarded following rigorous evaluation based on the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) process, along with peer review, to ensure successful applicants meet the highest standards.

Grants are available for researchers, based in eligible Australian institutions, to pursue research into medical, social, low vision or nutritional research into macular disease. Relevant faculties, schools and departments include, but are not limited to, optometry, ophthalmology, orthoptics, medicine, social work, pharmacy, psychology, nutrition and dietetics.

MDFA Research Grants Program

Grant pool

A total grant pool of up to AU$1,000,000 plus GST will be available. It is anticipated that between three to five grants of AU$200,000 - 300,000 for between one and three years duration will be awarded.

Focus areas

MDFA recognises that there is a critical need for macular disease research, with the fundamental goal of reducing the burden of care on patients and the health system. All eligible research grant applications in the area of macular disease are welcome and will be considered by the Grant Review Panel based on merit. Applications focused on the identified areas of strategic importance to MDFA are encouraged by the Panel:

• Dry age-related macular degeneration (pathogenesis; biomarkers/predictors of clinical course; treatments)

• Patient-oriented technological solutions for early detection and home monitoring and management of macular disease (using currently available devices and innovative technologies)

• Models of care and novel strategies to improve access to treatment and care, including strategies for Closing the Gap in macular health.

Eligibility

Researchers working in any field of research relevant to macular disease are eligible to apply.

Grant Family Fund

Grant pool

A total grant pool of up to AU$100,000 plus GST will be available. It is anticipated that up to two grants of AU$50,000 for a one-year project duration will be awarded.

Focus areas

The purpose of this grant is to encourage and enable innovative and creative research in the field of macular disease. The Grant Family Fund seeks to challenge and shift current paradigms and/or have a major impact on macular disease research through studies that creatively:

• Develop or use novel research concepts, approaches, methodologies, technologies or interventions

• Propose a reinterpretation, refinement, improvement or new application of existing theoretical concepts, approaches, methodologies, technologies or interventions

• Integrate and adapt concepts, approaches, methodologies, technologies or interventions from other research fields or disciplines for a new purpose or in a new way.

Eligibility

Grants are available for early-career researchers that have not held a substantial grant such as NHMRC or equivalent. Researchers without an advanced degree can apply provided they have an appropriate mentor.