RPB Stein Innovation Awards
RPB Stein Innovation Awards support faculty researchers pursuing high-risk, high-gain vision research to launch new scientific directions and advance understanding of the visual system and its diseases.
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Funder: Research to Prevent Blindness
Due Dates: December 15, 2026 (Inside ophthalmology nomination) | January 10, 2027 (Inside ophthalmology application) | June 15, 2027 (Outside ophthalmology nomination) | July 1, 2027 (Outside ophthalmology application)
Funding Amounts: $300,000 in two $150,000 payments, to be expended within three years if fully funded
Summary: Seed funding for high-risk, high-gain vision research that launches a new scientific direction.
Key Information: Proposed research must not have received previous or current funding from any other source.
Description
Research to Prevent Blindness (RPB) offers Stein Innovation Awards to advance understanding of the visual system and diseases that compromise its function. The program supports innovative, cutting-edge, high-risk/high-gain research by faculty inside and outside ophthalmology departments at U.S. institutions of higher education.
The awards are intended to catalyze a new line of inquiry, not naturally extend a candidate’s existing research. Proposals should differ substantially from an R01-type endeavor and pursue unconventional ideas that federal funders are unlikely to finance. RPB emphasizes innovation, a clear and rational research plan, compelling preliminary data, and careful consideration of potential pitfalls. The 2027 guidelines identify the July award as open to any vision research topic. These awards are not venture philanthropy for start-up companies.
