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Dr. David L. Epstein Award

Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology

This award honors David L. Epstein, MD, who is considered to be one of the most influential leaders in the world of glaucoma and glaucoma research over the past 40 years. The award was created by Dr. Epstein’s family to perpetuate and honor his commitment to the scientific understanding and cure of glaucoma through the support of promising clinician-scientists in exceptional research environments. It is the intent of the donors that this award further Dr. Epstein's long-standing determination and interest in solving the complex issues of glaucoma through well-conceived and executed scientific research focused on finding the causes and new treatments for the disease.

The $100,000 award, which is supported through the ARVO Foundation, was first presented in 2016.

AI Based Application Success Predictor

1. Strong focus on eye and vision research (highest predictor)

The most important predictor is clear alignment with ARVO's mission to advance research that preserves and restores vision.

Highly competitive projects typically address:

Retinal diseases
Glaucoma
Corneal diseases
Ocular surface disorders
Cataract
Optic nerve disorders
Visual neuroscience
Ocular genetics
Ocular immunology
Vision restoration
Ocular imaging
Translational ophthalmology

Projects should have clear relevance to improving understanding, diagnosis, prevention, or treatment of eye diseases.

2. Scientific excellence and innovation (very high predictor)

ARVO Foundation career awards specifically encourage investigators to pursue novel and innovative research ideas.

Successful applications generally include:

Original hypotheses
Innovative technologies
High-impact scientific questions
Novel experimental approaches
Transformative concepts in vision science

Innovation is a major distinguishing feature of funded projects.

3. Early-career investigator development (very high predictor)

Many ARVO Foundation awards are specifically intended for investigators establishing independent research careers.

Competitive applicants typically demonstrate:

Initial faculty appointment
Strong career trajectory
Potential for scientific independence
Commitment to vision research
Long-term academic goals

The Genentech Career Development Award for Emerging Vision Scientists, for example, is designed to help early-career faculty establish independent vision research programs.

4. Strong mentorship and career-development plan

Mentorship is an explicit component of several ARVO Foundation programs.

Successful applicants generally have:

Strong institutional mentorship
A supportive research environment
Senior scientific advisors
Clear career-development objectives

For the Genentech Career Development Award, recipients receive both institutional mentorship and an additional senior mentor selected from the ARVO community.

5. High-quality and feasible research proposal

Competitive proposals typically include:

Important scientific question
Clear hypotheses
Rigorous methodology
Appropriate statistical analyses
Realistic timeline
Achievable milestones

Reviewers look for projects that are both scientifically rigorous and feasible within the award period.

6. Potential to generate preliminary data and future funding

ARVO Foundation career awards are intended to help investigators generate:

Preliminary data
Proof-of-concept findings
High-impact publications
Competitive NIH or equivalent grant applications

One stated objective is to help investigators secure longer-term external funding.

7. Strong publication record and research productivity

Competitive applicants typically demonstrate:

Peer-reviewed publications
Scientific presentations
Research productivity appropriate to career stage
Evidence of independent scholarship

For early-career investigators, productivity relative to experience is an important indicator of future success.

8. Translational relevance and clinical impact

ARVO supports both basic and clinical vision research, but projects with potential to improve patient care are highly valued.

Examples include:

Gene therapy
Stem-cell therapies
Artificial intelligence in ophthalmology
Ocular imaging innovations
Biomarker discovery
Precision ophthalmology
Clinical trial-enabling research

Projects that bridge laboratory discoveries and clinical application align well with ARVO's mission.

9. Active engagement with the ARVO community

Applicants who demonstrate engagement through:

ARVO membership
ARVO Annual Meeting presentations
Abstract submissions
Collaboration with ARVO investigators
Participation in ARVO scientific activities

often strengthen their academic profile and professional network within the vision research community.

Specialties

Ophthalmology

Eligibility Requirements

Eligible applicants include ARVO members who are well-established, senior-level investigators with documented history of conducting eye and vision research in glaucoma and who have a record of successfully mentoring clinician-scientists to independent academic and research careers. The award will fund a research project that supports the applicant’s mentee in the applicant’s lab.

Specific eligibility criteria include:

Applicant must be the PI of an active research program and have a history of obtaining at least two NIH grants in the U or R series (or two grant equivalents if the applicant is from outside the United States), at least one of which is current.
Applicant must have a record of accomplishment in successfully mentoring clinician-scientists to independent academic and research careers.
Applicant must agree at time of application that Epstein Award funds will be used specifically to support a clinician-scientist, within five years of completion of formal training, in the awardee’s laboratory or area of research to further research for:
- a period of two years at a minimum of 30% effort per year. If funds remain at the end of two years, the principal investigator may apply for a no cost extension; Or
- one year at a minimum of 75% effort. If funds remain at the end of a year, the principal investigator may apply for a no cost extension.
The applicant’s mentee must be committed to becoming a clinician-scientist; the mentee must have an MD or OD degree (or equivalent)
Applicant must be an employee of a tax-exempt academic institution, and said institution must be willing to receive and disburse the award monies under the guidelines of ARVO. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure his/her institution can and will accept the award monies for the sole purpose set out in this award, as specified in the criteria, including that the institution agrees not to apply or withhold administrative fees or indirect costs.
Must follow ARVO described processes for application, including established deadlines.
There are no geographic (international or domestic) restrictions.
There are no age restrictions.
ARVO and ARVO Foundation Officers, Board members and ARVO Foundation Awards Committee members are not eligible to apply for or be nominated for an award, nor may they supply letters of support during their terms.

Eligible Countries:

United States

Sponsor Details

Sponsor Institute/Organizations: Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology

Sponsor Type: Corporate/Non-Profit

Address: 5515 Security Lane, Suite 500, Rockville, MD 20852

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