Emerging Vision Scientist Program
Applications due by May 31, 2024
The Alliance for Eye and Vision Research’s (AEVR) Research Saving Sight, Restoring Vision Initiative is organizing events associated with its tenth annual Emerging Vision Scientists Day on Capitol Hill, held on September 16 and 17 with funding support provided by Research to Prevent Blindness (RPB).
The Emerging Vision Scientist program provides early stage investigators with a critical perspective on the legislative process and provides training for participants to effectively communicate their research to policymakers. The program provides an opportunity to understand how to effectively raise awareness for and educate about the value of research while providing participants the ability to share and advocate for their research with policymakers and vision research stakeholders. Participants will:
• Attend an AEVR Congressional Briefing to see how vision research is presented to a mostly non-scientific, policy-oriented audience
• Receive training on how to effectively communicate the meaning and value of their research with members of Congress and their staff that can also be applicable across their careers with donors and key stakeholders
• Present an audience-friendly poster of their research at an AEVR-hosted Congressional Reception with Members of Congress, their staff, NEI leadership, and stakeholders from the vision research community
• Participate in NAEVR training to learn how to effectively advocate for vision research. Participants will meet with their Congressional delegation to educate them about the research they’re conducting in the district/state/institute and the importance of vision research funding
Eligibility and Selection
For 2024, AEVR will select Emerging Vision Scientists from the application pool to participate in the program and is reaching out to the vision community to solicit applications. Applicants will be evaluated to ensure a breadth of eye and vision research topics, and diversity in representation (to see a copy of the Alliance's Diversity Policy, email info@eyeresearch.org).
Applicants must complete this online form, and (upon submission) will be asked to send a copy of their biographical statement and/or CV/resume to the Alliances' at info@eyeresearch.org.
Eligible participants include post-degree (e.g., PhD, MD, OD) researchers and junior faculty who have NOT yet been awarded their first NIH R01 grant. Candidates ARE eligible if they have received training grants or fellowship support from the NIH or private funders.
AEVR will evaluate the applications and will schedule half-hour virtual interviews after the May 31 application deadline with each candidate. After the interviews, AEVR will notify participants in June to begin planning for the in-person events in Washington, D.C. AEVR will share information and materials to participants throughout the summer as the event approaches and will also provide a virtual training and preparation meeting beginning in August.
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 16 and 17.
AEVR will cover:
• 1-2 night hotel cost (maximum September 16 and 17) in Washington, D.C to be discussed during the interview process
• Meals associated with training events: lunch and reception on September 17, breakfast on September 18
Tentative Schedule of Events
Monday, September 16 through Tuesday, September 17
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.
Monday, September 16
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)
Tuesday, September 17
7:00AM – 8:30AM: Breakfast/advocacy training
9:30AM – 3:30PM: Congressional Office Visits (Two Senators/One Representative).
4:30PM: Program conclusion