MDFA calls for applications for $1.3m total in research grants

Total grant funding of $1.3 million is available across multiple grants to conduct research aimed at reducing the incidence and impact of this chronic disease.
“Research is a journey of discovery, with the ultimate destination being a place where we can save sight. Along the way we will learn a great deal that can yield major benefit,” Ms Julie Heraghty, chief executive officer of Macular Disease Foundation Australia, said.
Since the inception of the Research Grant Program in 2011, MDFA has awarded over $1.5 million to Australian researchers.
“Included in this round, we are pleased to announce the inaugural Blackmores Macular Disease Foundation Australia Research Grant of up to $600,000 over three years which will focus on the nutrition and/or lifestyle aspects of macular degeneration,” Ms Heraghty said.
Blackmores managing director Australia and New Zealand, Mr David Fenlon, said: “We have had a long standing relationship with the foundation and welcome the opportunity to fund research into the prevention of macular degeneration through the important areas of nutrition and lifestyle.”
“Over 1.15 million Australians show some evidence of macular degenerationi,” Ms Heraghty said. “Given that this number will rise to 1.7 million by 2030 in the absence of treatment and prevention measures, it is vitally important that we continue to invest in research to save the sight of older Australians and maximise the independence and quality of life of those living with the disease. We thank our donors to the foundation’s research grants program and Blackmores for supporting the foundation’s commitment to research into macular degeneration.”
Applications for the third round of grants close on 1 June 2015. The successful applicants will be announced on World Sight Day, 8 October.
Instructions and application forms are available from the MDFA website, www.mdfoundation.com.au.
Grants available in 2015 (for research commencing in 2016) are:
– Macular Disease Foundation Australia Research Grant (up to $700,000 over three years) is open to a range of research areas such as bio-medical, low vision, nutrition or related to practices and protocols in treatment.
– Blackmores Macular Disease Foundation Australia Research Grant (up to $600,000 over three years) is a new grant/s to encourage and enhance research into the nutrition and/or lifestyle aspects of macular degeneration.