RPB Career Development Award
The RPB Career Development Award funds junior ophthalmology faculty to launch independent, innovative vision science research, including projects using AI and data science.
Funder: Research to Prevent Blindness
Due Dates: December 15, 2025 (CDA nomination form) | January 10, 2026 (Full application) | June 15, 2026 (CDA nomination form) | July 1, 2026 (Full application)
Funding Amounts: $350,000 total over 4 years; typically $75,000/year for the first two years, $100,000/year for years 3–4 (contingent on mid-term review). Up to 8 awards annually.
Summary: Supports promising junior ophthalmology faculty in vision research at RPB-supported U.S. departments, launching independent research careers.
Key Information: Nomination by department chair at an RPB-supported institution is required; strict eligibility and application procedures apply.
Description
The RPB Career Development Award is the flagship early-career investigator grant from Research to Prevent Blindness. It aims to foster the independent research careers of junior ophthalmology faculty with demonstrated potential, providing substantial support to catalyze innovative, sight-saving research. The award is open to any research topic within vision science and is available exclusively to candidates nominated by RPB-supported U.S. ophthalmology departments. An additional variation, the RPB/Tom Wertheimer Career Development Award in Data Science, specifically supports projects leveraging AI and data science for vision research.
