Deadline: 01-Oct-2026
The Velux Stiftung has launched the Ophthalmology Institutional Research Capacity Strengthening Grant Program to support long-term biomedical and clinical ophthalmology research development in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The program focuses on strengthening institutional research systems, leadership, infrastructure, and sustainable ophthalmology research ecosystems.
The initiative supports collaborative projects that help LMIC institutions build lasting research capacity, develop centres of excellence, and improve institutional structures for ophthalmology research and innovation.
Program Objectives
The program aims to:
- Strengthen institutional ophthalmology research capacity in LMICs
- Support sustainable biomedical and clinical ophthalmology research systems
- Develop strong local research ecosystems and expertise centres
- Encourage interdisciplinary and collaborative research approaches
- Improve leadership, governance, and research management systems
- Promote long-term sustainability of ophthalmology institutions
Priority Areas
Supported activities may include:
- Institutional research capacity strengthening
- Biomedical and clinical ophthalmology research development
- Scientific network and partnership building
- Leadership and governance development
- Research management and administration enhancement
- Dissemination and transfer of research findings
- Establishment of local expertise centres
- Development of ophthalmology centres of excellence
- Interdisciplinary collaboration initiatives
- Long-term institutional sustainability planning
Research activities may be included if they directly support institutional strengthening goals.
Funding Details
- Funding available: Up to USD 75,000 per year
- Project duration: 1 to 4 years
- Maximum total grant: USD 300,000
Funding Requirements
- At least 50% of the funding must be used within LMIC partner institutions
- At least 40% of funding must support institutional research capacity strengthening activities
Eligible Applicants
Eligible applicants include:
- Consortia of research groups
- At least one partner institution based in a low- or middle-income country
- Academic research institutions operating on a not-for-profit basis
- Institutions legally eligible to receive international funding
High-income country partners are allowed but are not mandatory.
Principal Investigator Requirements
Applications must include:
- At least one PI or co-PI who is an established or leading ophthalmology researcher according to the European Framework for research careers
- A member of the LMIC institution’s executive or leadership team serving as PI or co-PI
This requirement supports institutional ownership, sustainability, and long-term alignment.
Eligible Activities
Funding may support:
- Research management systems
- Institutional governance development
- Leadership training and mentorship
- Collaborative scientific networks
- Capacity-building workshops and training
- Infrastructure and operational strengthening
- Research dissemination and knowledge transfer
- Development of sustainable institutional strategies
Why This Program Matters
The initiative helps:
- Strengthen ophthalmology research systems in LMICs
- Improve local research leadership and expertise
- Build sustainable scientific institutions and partnerships
- Expand access to high-quality eye health research
- Support long-term innovation in biomedical and clinical ophthalmology
- Reduce research capacity gaps between countries and regions
How to Apply
- Form a consortium including at least one LMIC institution
- Develop an institutional research capacity strengthening plan
- Define long-term sustainability and leadership strategies
- Prepare a detailed budget meeting funding allocation requirements
- Include institutional leadership participation in the proposal
- Demonstrate how research activities support institutional strengthening goals
- Submit the application according to Velux Stiftung guidelines before the deadline
Evaluation Criteria
Applications are assessed based on:
- Strength of institutional capacity-building approach
- Long-term sustainability and impact
- Leadership and governance involvement
- Relevance to ophthalmology research development
- Quality of partnerships and collaboration
- Feasibility and financial planning
- Contribution to LMIC research ecosystems
Tips for Strong Applications
- Focus clearly on institutional strengthening rather than standalone research
- Demonstrate long-term sustainability and local ownership
- Include strong leadership and governance participation
- Show measurable capacity-building outcomes
- Develop balanced partnerships between institutions
- Ensure budget allocations meet funding requirements
FAQ
What is the purpose of the program?
The program supports long-term institutional strengthening for biomedical and clinical ophthalmology research in LMICs.
How much funding is available?
Projects may receive up to USD 75,000 per year, with a maximum total grant of USD 300,000.
Who can apply?
Consortia involving at least one LMIC-based research institution are eligible.
Are high-income country partners required?
No, high-income country partners are welcome but not mandatory.
Can research activities be included?
Yes, research activities are eligible if they support institutional research capacity strengthening goals.
What percentage of funding must support LMIC institutions?
At least 50% of funding must be used within LMIC partner institutions.
Conclusion
The Velux Stiftung Ophthalmology Institutional Research Capacity Strengthening Grant Program supports sustainable research development in low- and middle-income countries by strengthening institutional systems, leadership, and ophthalmology research capacity. Through long-term partnerships and capacity-building initiatives, the program aims to create resilient research ecosystems and improve global ophthalmology research collaboration.
For more information, visit Velux Stiftung.