Alcon Research Institute Events
Alcon Research Institute's annual Steven M. Podos Colloquium and bi-annual Scientific Symposium are attended by elite members of the eye research community and honor outstanding contributors to ophthalmic research throughout the world.
Steven M. Podos Colloquium
The Steven M. Podos Colloquium is the Alcon Research Institute's (ARI) annual scientific meeting aimed at highlighting recent advances in vision research. Typically held concurrently with ARVO or other major research congresses, Podos Colloquium is open to Alcon associates and all ARI members, who are encouraged to invite 2-3 Young Investigators not yet affiliated with ARI to join. During the event, ARI Senior and Young Investigator Grant recipients are announced.
Scientific Symposium
The Scientific Symposium is a bi-annual scientific exchange event offering one to one and a half days of scientific lectures in partnership with prominent ophthalmic institutions. Concurrent with the Steven M. Podos Colloquium, the event includes presentations from Senior and Young ARI Grant recipients on their recent discoveries, and the formal giving of ARI Grant plaques.
2025 Steven M. Podos Colloquium Recap: Next Generation Gene Therapy Strategies
On Saturday, May 3rd, 2025, Alcon hosted the Steven M. Podos Colloquium. This is the Alcon Research Institute’s (ARI) annual gathering dedicated to celebrating groundbreaking research. This year’s event, held just prior to the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) annual meeting, showcased significant interest in scientific exchange—and it did so with outstanding energy and engagement.
The return to ARVO reenergized the community and set the stage for one of our most impactful gatherings to date. The event brought together a mix of vision scientists, clinicians, and innovators from around the globe who are shaping the future of eye care. The excitement was undeniable as attendees explored groundbreaking concepts under the theme “Next Generation Gene Therapy Strategies” presented by featured speaker Dr. Krzysztof Palczewski, Professor of Ophthalmology and Director of the UCI Center for Translational Vision Research.
Stephen Tsang, MD, PhD, Columbia University Irving Medical Center and a leading expert in genetic medicine, captured the spirit of the event: “It was truly inspiring to reflect on how far our field has advanced—and even more so to see where it’s headed. I was particularly encouraged that next-generation approaches like CRISPR genome surgery are increasingly being embraced as the future of ophthalmology. It’s an exciting time for our field, and I’m grateful to be part of this remarkable community of innovators working to expand the possibilities in vision science.”
We extend our heartfelt thanks to the ARI Executive and Scientific Selection Committees for their vision and dedication to making the 2025 Steven M. Podos Colloquium a resounding success. Their continued support is vital in fostering a thriving environment for scientific exchange and discovery in ophthalmology.
From left to right: Stephen Tsang, MD, PhD (ARI Committee), Lois Smith, MD, PhD (ARI Executive Committee), Amir Kashani, MD, PhD (ARI Committee), Krzysztof Palczewski, PhD (Steven M. Podos Colloquium 2025 speaker), Allen Ho, MD, PhD (ARI Chair, Executive Committee), Maureen Neitz, PhD (ARI Executive Committee), Sophie Deng, MD, PhD (ARI Committee), Sun Young Lee, MD, PhD (ARI Committee)
We also want to acknowledge the broader network of collaborators—scientists, clinicians, partners, and supporters—who make the mission of the ARI possible. Your collective dedication continues to drive meaningful advances in eye care and inspires the next generation of discovery. As innovation accelerates, the Podos Colloquium remains a cornerstone of ARI’s commitment to advancing eye care through bold ideas and collaborative discovery. This year’s dialogue reaffirms that gene therapy holds promise and momentum to redefine the future of vision preservation and restoration.
ARI welcomes retina experts to 2024 Steven M. Podos Colloquium: Advances in Retina
During an evening at the Alcon Fort Worth campus, these world renowned Podos Colloquium speakers shared insights on surgical delivery of gene and cell therapy, macular therapeutics, OCT and OCTA, retinal gene therapy, and surgical advances.
Moderators: Mark Humayun, MD ARI Chair and Franck Leveiller, PhD ARI, Alcon Executive
Featured Podos Speakers: Allen Ho, MD, Maria Berrocal, MD, Andrew Moshfeghi, MD, Nadia Waheed, MD, MPH, Glenn Yiu, MD, PhD
ARI Scientific Symposium
The ARI also celebrated advancing science through the ARI Scientific Symposium where previous Senior and young investigator research grant recipients presented on their ARI-funded research.
From left to right: Anthony Khawaja, FRCOphth, PhD (Young Investigator 2020); Gulab Zode, PhD (Sr Investigator 2023); Eric Gaier, MD, PhD (Young Investigator 2021); Thanh Hoang, PhD (Young Investigator 2023); Franck Leveiller, PhD (ARI Alcon Executive); Mark Humayun, MD, PhD (ARI Executive Chair 2020-2024); Ajay Kuriyan, MD (Young Investigator 2022); Sun Young Lee, MD, PhD (Young Investigator 2023); Not pictured: Constance Cepko, PhD (Senior Investigator 2018)