Deadline: 06-Oct-2025
Fighting Blindness is now accepting applications for the third round of its Career Development Awards. The program is designed to support early-career researchers and clinicians working in the field of vision loss by helping them access training, build networks, and form collaborations.
The award provides funding for activities such as attending training courses, gaining hands-on experience with specific techniques in another lab, presenting research at conferences, or organizing collaboration events. These can take place either in person or virtually. The total funding available for each award is €1,500, and the supported activity must occur between January and December 2026.
The funding can cover costs like course registration, travel, accommodation, daily expenses, and reasonable event-related costs. Travel must be arranged using the most economical means, with public transport and economy class preferred. Accommodation should be modest and cost-effective, not exceeding a 4-star rating or €180 per night within Ireland. International accommodation should also be in line with average local rates. Meals are reimbursed up to €12 for breakfast, €15 for lunch, and €25 for dinner, including tips where applicable. Alcohol and entertainment are not reimbursable.
Eligible activities must relate to vision loss research, particularly in inherited retinal diseases (IRDs), age-related macular degeneration (AMD), or diabetic retinopathy. Training in broader topics must show clear relevance to vision research. Clinical work without a research component is not eligible. Training in other labs should focus on techniques unavailable at the applicant’s current institution. Applicants must also ensure they meet visa requirements for any international travel.
Academic applicants must be PhD students or untenured postdoctoral researchers with no more than five years of postdoctoral experience. They must be employed at a host institute for the entire duration of the award and committed to advancing in vision research. Clinical applicants must have a medical degree, not be consultants, and have prior research experience along with a valid contract covering the award period.
The application must include a completed form, the applicant’s CV using the provided template, a declaration of support from the host institution, and a letter of support from the host PI if applying for lab-based training.
For more information, visit Fighting Blindness.
