Emerging Vision Scientist Program
Equipping vision researchers to engage policymakers and drive change.
The Emerging Vision Scientist Program is designed for early-career researchers who are ready to step beyond the laboratory and help shape the future of vision research. This program empowers scientists to understand how federal funding decisions are made and how their voices can directly influence policies that determine whether discoveries move forward or stall.
2026 Application Period Open
Elevate your research. Amplify your voice. Shape the future of vision science.
The 2026 Emerging Vision Scientist Program application period is now open. If you’re an early-career researcher ready to elevate your work, engage in federal advocacy, and connect with leaders across the vision community, we encourage you to apply. Complete the application form below to be contacted with additional details and next steps. As part of your submission, please include a brief video introduction sharing your research, your motivation, and why advancing vision research matters to you—this is your opportunity to help us #SeeWhatMatters.
Applications due by June 19, 2026
Alliance for Vision Research will host our 12th annual Emerging Vision Scientist Program in Washington, DC September 14-16, with support from Research to Prevent Blindness (RPB).
The program provides early-stage investigators with a critical understanding of the legislative process and hands-on training to effectively communicate their research to policymakers and the public. Participants gain experience raising awareness of the value of research and advocating for sustained vision research funding. Participants will:
- Attend a Congressional Briefing to observe how vision research is presented to policymakers
- Receive training on communicating research to Congress, staff, donors, and stakeholders
- Present an audience-friendly research poster at a Congressional Reception
- Participate in advocacy training and Capitol Hill meetings with their Congressional delegation
Eligibility & Application
Applicants must be early-career researchers (PhD, MD, OD, or junior faculty) who have not yet received an NIH R01 grant. Candidates with training grants or fellowships are eligible; limited space is available for medical students pursuing research careers. Applicants will be selected to ensure diversity across research topics and backgrounds. Notifications will be sent by July 2, with program preparation beginning in August. To apply:
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- Complete the online application
- Submit a CV or biographical statement
- After completing your application, we will email you a link to our Dropbox account and ask you to provide a 3–5 minute video introducing yourself, your research, and your interest in the Emerging Vision Research program.
Logistics, Cost & Time Commitment
Participants are responsible for travel and lodging (September 15–17). A hotel room block at the Holiday Inn Washington Capitol will be provided. Meals:
- Breakfast and lunch on September 15, plus reception food and dinner
- Breakfast on September 16 (lunch on your own)
Time Commitment
- One 90-minute virtual training session in August
- In-person program:
- September 14: Arrival
- September 15: Training, Congressional Briefing, Poster Reception
- September 16: Training and Capitol Hill meetings
- Evening departure on September 16
Where Science Meets Advocacy and Future Leaders Emerge
Through hands-on advocacy training, mentorship, and real-world policy engagement, participants learn how to communicate the value of their research to policymakers, elevate patient impact, and advocate for sustained investment in vision research. The program highlights the roles of the National Eye Institute and the Department of Defense Vision Research Program, helping participants understand how federal support fuels innovation that saves sight and improves lives.
Sponsored by Research to Prevent Blindness, this initiative provides professional development opportunities and showcases early-stage investigators from Departments of Ophthalmology and Schools/Colleges of Optometry.
More than a professional development opportunity, the Emerging Vision Scientist Program is an invitation to lead—connecting scientists who recognize advocacy as an essential part of advancing research, supporting patients, and driving future breakthroughs.
Testimonial
“As researchers, it’s imperative we learn how to educate policymakers about the importance of our vision research and how to advocate for additional funding to propel our research forward. I’m also so thankful that during the Emerging Vision Scientist Program I can exchange ideas and research with dozens of other vision researchers, while formulating relationships that will surely endure throughout my career.”
Seema Banjeree, PhD
Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University
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