Alliance for Vision Research Hosts Record-Breaking 2025 Emerging Vision Scientist Program

Alliance Hosts Record-Breaking 2025 Emerging Vision Scientist Program


On September 16th and 17th, Alliance Vision Research conducted its annual Emerging Vision Scientist program in Washington, DC, marking the largest class to date with 38 participants from 17 states nationwide. The program has been supported since its inception in 2015 with a grant from Research to Prevent Blindness, and we can’t thank RPB enough for their continued generous support, recognizing the valuable impact the program has on engaging emerging researchers in policy and advocacy. Additional support from member organizations continues to allow us to accept more participants each year, and with your support we hope to continue to build on this success.

The core of the Emerging Vision Scientist program includes providing training for participants on communicating their science to policy audiences and explaining complex research in clear, accessible language. Training also includes an emphasis on telling their personal and professional stories to help make the case for why their vision research matters, and learning how to be strong voices for sustained federal investment in vision research. This training prepared the scientists to share their work with Members of Congress and staff, as well as to connect their personal experiences with the broader importance of eye and vision research.

Poster Reception on Capitol Hill: On September 156, the program began with a poster reception in the Rayburn House Office Building. Congressional staff, federal partners, and advocacy stakeholders had the opportunity to meet the Emerging Vision Scientist participants, view their research posters, and hear directly from the next generation of scientific leaders.

Congressional Advocacy: On September 17, the Emerging Vision Scientist participants joined Alliance for Vision Research for a full day of Capitol Hill advocacy, conducting more than 70 meetings with Members of Congress and their staff. In these discussions, participants shared their research stories and highlighted the importance of maintaining a strong and independent NEI within NIH and asked Congress to support a dedicated NEI.

The record-setting participation and robust engagement underscored the continued enthusiasm of the vision research community and its commitment to advocating for policies that support innovation and protect sight. As in past years, the program succeeded in both empowering emerging scientists with advocacy skills and reinforcing to policymakers that vision research is essential to the health, productivity, and independence of millions of Americans.