Emerging Vision Scientist Program
Applications due June 13, 2025
The Alliance for Eye and Vision Research (AEVR) invites early-career vision scientists to participate in its prestigious Emerging Vision Scientists (EVS) Program, part of the Research Saving Sight, Restoring Vision Initiative. Celebrating its 1ith anniversary on Capitol Hill, this transformative event, supported by Research to Prevent Blindness (RPB), will take place on September ________.
This program empowers participants to effectively communicate the value of their research to policymakers, preparing them to champion vision research throughout their careers. Participants will:
- Engage in Legislative Advocacy: Meet with members of Congress and their staff to highlight the importance of vision research funding and the local impact of their work.
- Present to Policymakers: Share audience-friendly research posters at a Congressional Reception attended by Members of Congress, National Eye Institute leadership, and vision research stakeholders.
- Learn to Communicate Science: Receive tailored training on presenting complex research to non-scientific audiences, including policymakers, donors, and stakeholders.
- Experience a Congressional Briefing: Observe how vision research is presented to policymakers in a clear, impactful way during an AEVR-hosted event.
Eligibility and Selection
Eligible applicants include post-degree researchers (e.g., PhD, MD, OD) and junior faculty who have not yet received their first NIH R01 grant. Training grant or fellowship recipients are welcome to apply. Applications will be evaluated for diversity in research topics and representation (see the Alliance’s Diversity Policy). Candidates ARE eligible if they have received training grants or fellowship support from the NIH or private funders.
To apply, complete this online application form and send your biographical statement and/or CV to info@eyeresearch.org. AEVR will conduct virtual interviews in June and notify selected participants shortly after.
AEVR will evaluate the applications and schedule half-hour virtual interviews after the June 13 application deadline. After the interviews, we will those selected so you may begin planning for the in-person event. We will share information and materials to participants throughout the summer as the event approaches and will also provide a virtual training and preparation meeting.
Cost
AEVR requires that participants/departments cover the cost of travel to and from Washington D.C. to align with the scheduled events on September ________.
AEVR will cover:
• 1-2 night hotel cost (maximum September ________) in Washington, D.C to be discussed during the interview process
• Meals associated with training events: lunch and reception on September ________, breakfast on September ________.
Tentative Schedule of Events
September ________ through September ________
Please note: East Coast participants must plan to arrive by 9AM ET on Monday, September 16 for training and event preparation. Mid-West and West coast participants should plan to arrive on September 16. All times below in Eastern Standard Time.
September ________
9:00AM - 10:45AM: Program overview and communicating science training
10:45AM - 12:30PM: AEVR’s NEI Congressional Briefing (House Rayburn Office Building)
1:00PM – 4:00PM: Lunch/Training for Poster Reception
5:30PM – 7:30PM: Poster Reception Congressional Reception (House Rayburn Building Foyer)
September ________
7:00AM – 8:30AM: Breakfast/advocacy training
9:30AM – 3:30PM: Congressional Office Visits (Two Senators/One Representative).
4:30PM: Program conclusion