Glaucoma UK is excited to announce a new, reshaped Research Grants Programme for 2025. Set to open in January, this programme aims to support innovative research to improve the understanding, treatment, and care of glaucoma. Alongside opportunities for researchers at different stages of their career, the charity is excited to share that £250,000 is available to fund up to four cutting-edge research projects. Glaucoma UK is committed to funding the most promising researchers and proposals that have the potential to make a significant impact in the field of glaucoma.
A renewed focus on quality and impact
Glaucoma UK is updating its grant application process to emphasise quality, impact, and inclusivity. As a charity focused on patients, we are particularly interested in how research projects involve Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) and consider Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI). These elements are now crucial criteria in our evaluation process, reflecting our commitment to supporting research that not only advances scientific knowledge but also addresses the needs of diverse communities affected by glaucoma.
Grants application timeline
The research grants programme will open for applications in January 2025, with the submission deadline in April 2025. Successful applicants will be notified of their funding awards in June 2025.
Researchers interested in applying for the 2025 Research Grants Programme should visit the Glaucoma UK website at www.glaucoma.uk/research-grants in the New Year or contact the charity’s research team at research@glaucoma.uk for more information.
Key evaluation criteria
Applicants should state how their research will contribute to:
- Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE): Applicants should show how they plan to involve patients and the public in their research process, ensuring that research outcomes are relevant and beneficial to those most affected by glaucoma.
- Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI): Proposals should outline how the research will overcome barriers, help those most at risk of sight loss, and ensure inclusivity in its approach and potential impact.
- Alignment with charitable objectives: Applicants must explain how their research aligns with Glaucoma UK's objectives, particularly in terms of increasing awareness, enabling earlier diagnosis, and ensuring equitable access to effective care.
- Increased awareness and early diagnosis: Promoting awareness and achieving earlier diagnosis of glaucoma, especially among those at greatest risk.
- Equitable access to care: Ensuring more people can maintain their sight and live well through equitable and timely access to effective clinical care and support.
Glaucoma UK is particularly interested in research projects that align with the following six priorities identified by the UK Clinical Eye Research Strategy:
- Effective treatments: Identifying the most effective treatments for glaucoma and exploring ways to improve them.
- Vision restoration: Investigating methods to restore vision loss caused by glaucoma.
- Early diagnosis: Developing strategies to prevent late diagnosis of sight-threatening glaucoma.
- Progression monitoring: Innovating effective ways to monitor the progression of glaucoma.
- Understanding causes: Researching the underlying causes of glaucoma.
- Treatment adherence: Exploring the link between treatment adherence and glaucoma progression, and finding ways to improve adherence.
Supporting researchers at every career stage
As Glaucoma UK celebrates its 50th anniversary, reshaping our research grants programme is a key part of our ambition to invest in people, as wells as projects. By providing opportunities for researchers at every career stage, we aim to build a dynamic and collaborative research community dedicated to advancing the understanding and treatment of glaucoma.
Alongside our new grants programme, we plan to launch a PhD programme to support early-career researchers in 2025. This initiative, currently being developed by our new Head of Research, underscores our commitment to building a strong pipeline of talented scientists and clinicians who can contribute to breakthroughs in glaucoma research. The programme will complement our existing efforts, providing young researchers with the resources and mentorship they need to develop their skills and careers.
This follows the introduction of the Pitts Crick Fellowship in 2024, which marked a significant milestone in our history. Named after our founder, Ronald Pitts Crick, the fellowship honours his dedication to supporting glaucoma researchers.
Our ongoing commitment to the ‘Glaucoma UK Professor’ role is essential to the charity’s history and legacy. Our founder, Ronald Pitts Crick, passionately advocated for this initiative early in the charity’s history, describing glaucoma research as a "Cinderella subject" in need of recognition and support. This role, funded by the generosity of Glaucoma UK charity members and supporters past and present, is currently held by Professor David "Ted" Garway-Heath. His inclusion in The Ophthalmologist magazine’s ‘Hall of Fame’ in 2023 highlights the role’s significance and impact on the field.
Commitment to a thriving research community
Glaucoma UK is dedicated to investing in people and projects to cultivate a vibrant research community capable of driving significant advances in glaucoma research and care. By supporting researchers at various career stages, we hope to empower them to develop innovative solutions to the challenges faced by individuals with glaucoma. Together, we can build a future where glaucoma research flourishes, leading to improved patient outcomes.
