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Alcon Research Institute

Benefits

In 1981, Alcon set out to help support research in eye health and to expand the frontiers of vision sciences globally – from this concept Alcon Research Institute (ARI) was born. Since then, the ARI has had a significant impact on the study of ocular diseases and has become a bridge to building partnerships with leading researchers around the world.

 

Come celebrate ARI’s 40 years, along with the Stephen M. Podos Colloquium and ARI Awards Symposium, in Fort Worth, TX Sept. 23-24, 2022.
Contact [email protected]

 

ARI Grants

Applications for the 2023 ARI Grants will be accepted until
February 15, 2023

Application period for 2024 ARI Grants will be open
July 1, 2023 – February 15, 2024

Alcon Research Institute funds a “virtual institute” that seeks outstanding contributors to ophthalmic research throughout the world and honors them both in a symposium that elite members of the eye research community attend, as well as monetarily through research grants.
Senior ARI Grants Eligibility and Guidelines: Open to all members of the vision science community who are actively involved in independent research efforts (e.g. academics, engineers, clinician scientists, etc.). Members of the Alcon Research Institute Scientific Selection Committee and Alcon Research Institute Executive Committee are not eligible to apply. In addition:

  • Only one application allowed from an individual each year.
  • No limit to the number of applications that can come from a single institution (different from the Young Investigator process, which only allows two applications from any given institution).
  • The maximum grant amount is $250,000.
  • Research funds will be paid in one lump sum payment that can be carried forward on a yearly basis as no-cost extensions for a total of up to 3 years from the date of selection.
  • A maximum of no more than 20% can be taken from the grant by the institution for Indirect Costs.
  • The application does not require previous research or supporting data, but the applicant is welcome to submit any supporting materials. Along with the application, applicants should submit an up-to-date NIH-style bio-sketch, a detailed CV, an up-to-date photo, a full publication list, and a reference letter or two attesting to the accomplishments of the applicant and describing how the applicant is qualified to complete the proposed studies.
  • The Title/Rank/Level of the individual applying for a Sr. ARI Grant should be at least Associate Professor or Equivalent.
  • See the ARI Senior Research Grant Proposal template
  • Submit all application materials here
ARI Young Investigator Grants Eligibility and Guidelines: Intended to encourage, and promote the early independent career development of clinicians and scientists in vision research and ophthalmology.

  • Along with the application, applicants should submit an up-to-date NIH-style bio-sketch or detailed CV, an up-to-date photo, and a letter of reference, preferably from the department head.
  • Only two applications are permitted from a given institution. If more than two applications are submitted, a note will be sent to the head of the department asking him/her to decide on the top two applicants.
  • The maximum grant amount is $75,000. The grant will be applied to support the research program of the grant recipient at their institution
  • A maximum of no more than 10% can be taken from the grant by the institution for Indirect Costs.
  • Applicants must be devoting at least 50% of their time toward research.
  • Grant date can be no more than eight years post training
  • No requirements based on Rank/Level/Title but Applicants must not yet have attained R-level grant status or equivalent. Candidate must be appointed or nominated to the assistant professor level (either research or tenure track). Associate professors are allowed, provided they are 8 years or less.
  • See the ARI Young Investigator Grant Proposal template
  • Submit all application materials here

Annual Events

The Stephen M. Podos Colloquium and ARI Awards Symposium to be combined for the celebration of ARI’s 40th year anniversary, September 23-24, 2022

Location: The Worthington Renaissance Fort Worth

Podos Guest Speakers:
  • Paul Lee, MD, JD (Keynote)
  • Robert Weinreb, MD
  • Kuldev Singh, MD, MPH
  • Joel Schuman, MD
  • Jeff Goldberg, MD, PhD
  • Felipe Medeiros, MD, PhD

For additional information: email link titled "Alcon Research Institute" [email protected]

 

Podos Colloquium

  • Typically, an Annual meeting, concurrent and collocated with ARVO or other major research congress (April / May). The 2022 Podos has been moved to September 23, 2022. The 2023 Podos will take place right before ARVO in New Orleans, LA (exact date and location TBD).
  • Keynote and scientific program aimed to highlight recent advances in vision research
  • Announcement of ARI Sr. and Young Investigator Grant recipients
  • Open to all ARI members and Alcon associates attending the ARVO congress
  • ARI members are encouraged to invite 2-3 Young Investigators (not yet affiliated with the ARI) to register for the event and come with them

Scientific Symposium

  • Bi-annual scientific exchange event, typically held in the fall
  • One to one and a half day lecture series conducted in partnership with a prominent institution having strong focus in ophthalmology
  • All Sr. ARI Grant recipients and Young Investigator Grant recipients invited to present recent discoveries that have been funded through ARI
  • Formal presentation of ARI Grant plaques
 

More Information

See Alcon Research Institute Charter.
If you have further questions, please contact us.