MRCG-HRB Fighting Blindness Research Call 2017 – 2018

Fighting Blindness is pleased to announce its participation in the Joint Funding Scheme 2017 between the Health Research Board and the Medical Research Charities Group.

 Research Priorities

Fighting Blindness is committed to promoting and facilitating the development of therapies and cures which are accessible to all patients affected by sight loss and the wide spectrum of retinal degenerative disease through the pursuit and enablement of scientific medical research. Since its establishment in 1983, Fighting Blindness has invested close to €17million in more than 90 academic and clinical research projects.

For this co-funding scheme, we are inviting original, internationally-competitive proposals that are relevant to the research priorities of Fighting Blindness and align with one or more of the following research areas:

  • Diagnostics e.g. molecular biomarkers
  • Therapeutics e.g. novel drugs
  • Elucidating molecular mechanisms and/or protective pathways in retinal degenerations
  • Understanding genetic modifiers of retinal disease severity and progression
  • Epidemiology and Population Studies

Cross disciplinary collaborations are very much encouraged. Fighting Blindness also recognises the importance of bridging the gap between researchers and patients. As such, all submitted applications will need to demonstrate meaningful public and patient involvement (PPI) in research.

 Application process

Expressions of Interest (EOI) are sought for basic and translational retinal research programmes that address one or more of the research areas outlined above. The grants available are up to a total of €300k over a three-year period with projects anticipated to begin September 2018.

The initial Expressions of Interest (max 2-3 pages) should describe succinctly the following:

  • Overall objectives
  • Current knowledge and research gaps
  • Relevance to goals of Fighting Blindness
  • Meaningful Public and Patient Involvement
  • Expected costs

Please submit an EOI to research@fightingblindness.ie by 5pm on Thursday 16th November 2017. Following review by our Medical and Scientific Advisory Board, a shortlist of successful applicants will be notified for requests for their full application.

 

Key Dates:

Deadline for Submission of EOI 16th November 2017
Deadline for submission of full applications (if shortlisted) Friday 19th January 2018.
Right to Reply Phase February 2018
Application Notification July 2018
Research Project Start Date September 2018

 

Full details of scheme can be found at: http://www.mrcg.ie/go/mrcg_hrb_joint_funding_scheme. We would strongly recommend that you read the full application form and HRB Instructions to Applicants available below for reference.

MRCG-HRB Application Form

MRCG-HRB Instructions to Applicants

For more information, please contact laura.brady@fightingblindness.ie or phone 01-6789004.