Why Donate
The Problem
Traditional research funding in NZ is well below the OECD average, with less than 8% of all research grants being funded.
The Risk
We're losing world-class young minds to overseas institutions, and bold ideas are being left unexplored because of a lack of funding and mentorship.
The Need
Through Vision Research Foundation, donors can align their philanthropic objectives with research pathways pursuing visionary ideas.
What VRF provides
We support bold scientific initiatives through mentorship, collaboration, research support and funding.
The Focus
We enable innovators of the future to push the boundaries and drive game-changing discoveries without the constraints of regular granting body..
The Solution
We're here to ensure our young vision scientists can continue to make contributions that shape the future.
What is Vision Research Foundation?
Vision Research Foundation is a registered charitable trust CC59798, established by a generous donation from a New Zealand philanthropist. Vision Research Foundation empowers bright researchers to transform human health through bold, paradigm-shifting discoveries in vision science.
What is a charitable trust?
A charitable trust is an organisation that holds and protects assets (money, property etc) for charitable purposes. The trust’s assets are managed according to the purpose set out in a trust deed, or an agreed set of rules.
What is Vision Research Foundation’s mission statement?
Our purpose is to transform the lives by supporting bold, cross-sectoral vision research that disrupts current paradigms, improves human health and empowers under-served communities.
What makes Vision Research Foundation different?
New Zealand researchers are significantly underfunded compared to other similar OECD countries such as Australia, UK, Canada and the US, with less than 8% of all research grant applications being funded. We are establishing a collaborative, multi-disciplinary network of researchers who are committed to translational and impactful research. The emphasis is on building a strong and dynamic vision research environment focusing on supporting bright minds to stay in New Zealand.
Where do my donations go?
Donations go towards supporting New Zealand researchers pursuing visionary ideas in one or more of our research arms: glaucoma, neurological disease, oculomics and community engagement.
Who set up Vision Research Foundation?
Vision Research Foundation was set up by Prof. Helen Danesh-Meyer, who is our Board Chair and Scientific Director. The Treasurer is Dr. Hannah Kersten and the Board Secretary is Clare Leonard.