ARVO Foundation Research Catalyst Award
The ARVO Foundation Research Catalyst Award funds early-career and returning researchers to launch innovative, independent projects in vision science and ophthalmology, with a special focus on retinal research.
Funder: Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology
Due Dates: October 1, 2026
Funding Amounts: $70,000 per award; project duration up to 2 years; 1–2 awards annually (including a retina-focused award)
Summary: Supports early-career and returning investigators in vision science to launch independent, innovative research projects.
Description
The ARVO Foundation Research Catalyst Award is designed to empower early-career investigators or those returning to research after a significant hiatus by funding their first independent research projects in vision science and ophthalmology. Established in 2023, this annual award aims to catalyze innovative ideas and provide recipients with financial resources, mentorship, and institutional support to launch impactful studies and advance their careers. An additional award is dedicated to outstanding projects in retinal research, supported by the International Retinal Research Foundation.
