A number of Australia’s leading researchers have received significant support in the latest round of funding from the Grant Family Fund and Macular Disease Foundation Australia.
Studies that aim to predict and prevent the progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), research into new imaging techniques, and a new gene therapy and targeted treatment for inherited diseases are among eight groundbreaking Australian research projects awarded more than $1 million in Macular Disease Foundation Australia’s (MDFA) 2025 funding round.
Eight groundbreaking research projects led by some of Australia’s top researchers, Including Dr Samuel McLenachan and Dr Danuta (Danka) Sampson from the Lions Eye Institute were funded by the Macular Disease Foundation Australia
Led by some of Australia’s top researchers, the new projects will help improve treatments, reduce the burden of macular disease, and help protect future generations from its impact.
This year’s investment marks the third round of funding from the Grant Family Fund, a generous bequest that supports blue sky research projects led by early career researchers.
The 2025 Macular Disease Foundation research grant recipients include:
- Dr Sushma Anand, Centre for Eye Research Australia.
- Professor Erica Fletcher, University of Melbourne.
- Professor Mark Gillies, Save Sight Institute, University of Sydney.
- Professor Robyn Guymer AM, Centre for Eye Research Australia.
- Dr Samuel McLenachan, Lions Eye Institute, University of Western Australia.
- Dr Danuta Sampson, Lions Eye Institute, University of Western Australia.
- Dr Jiang-Hui (Sloan) Wang, Centre for Eye Research Australia.
- Professor Joanne Wood, Queensland University of Technology.
The 2025 funding brings MDFA’s total research investment to $6.9 million across 42 projects since the launch of its research grants program in 2011.
The foundation remains the largest non-government funder of macular and retinal disease research in Australia.
“These projects have the potential to change lives, not just here in Australia, but globally,” says MDFA CEO Dr Kathy Chapman.
“We’re proud to extend our support for research that could redefine how macular diseases are diagnosed, treated, and ultimately prevent blindness – delivering real-world benefits for ophthalmologists, optometrists, and, importantly, people living with a macular disease.
“This funding round also marks a significant step toward our goal of doubling the number of research projects we support by 2030. We’re empowering Australian researchers to lead the way in tackling macular disease.
“Macular Disease Foundation’s research funding is made possible thanks to the incredible generosity of the community, who are investing in fast-tracking world-class Australian research to help us move closer to prevention and cure.”
The MDFA research grants were awarded by the Governor-General at Admiralty House in Sydney in August 2025.
Her Excellency the Honourable Ms Sam Mostyn AC speaking at the Macular Disease Foundation Australia event at Admiralty House
