Dr. David L. Epstein Award Grant

Dr. David L. Epstein Award Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: The Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology
Amount: US $100,000
Last Updated: August 22, 2025

Summary

The Dr. David L. Epstein Award, established by the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology, honors a leader in glaucoma research. With a $100,000 grant, it supports senior investigators who mentor clinician-scientists in innovative research. Applicants must have a strong history in glaucoma studies and a record of mentoring. This prestigious award reflects a commitment to advancing understanding and treatment of glaucoma, continuing the legacy of Dr. Epstein since its inception in 2016.

Overview

The Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology ARVO is the largest and most respected eye and vision research organization in the world. Our members include nearly 12,000 researchers from over 60 countries. Mission The Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) advances research worldwide into understanding the visual system and preventing, treating, and curing its disorders. Dr. David L. Epstein Award The $100,000 award, which is supported through the ARVO Foundation, was first presented in 2016.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Eligible applicants include ARVO members who are well-established, senior-level investigators with documented history of conducting eye and vision research in glaucoma and who have a record of successfully mentoring clinician-scientists to independent academic and research careers. The award will fund a research project that supports the applicant’s mentee in the applicant’s lab.Specific eligibility criteria include:Applicant must be the PI of an active research program and have a history of obtaining at least two NIH grants in the U or R series (or two grant equivalents if the applicant is from outside the United States), at least one of which is current.Applicant must have a record of accomplishment in successfully mentoring clinician-scientists to independent academic and research careers.Applicant must agree at time of application that Epstein Award funds will be used specifically to support a clinician-scientist, within five years of completion of formal training, in the awardee’s laboratory or area of research to further research for:a period of two years at a minimum of 30% effort per year. If funds remain at the end of two years, the principal investigator may apply for a no cost extension; ORone year at a minimum of 75% effort. If funds remain at the end of a year, the principal investigator may apply for a no cost extension.The applicant’s mentee must be committed to becoming a clinician-scientist; the mentee must have an MD or OD degree (or equivalent)Applicant must be an employee of a tax-exempt academic institution, and said institution must be willing to receive and disburse the award monies under the guidelines of ARVO. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure his/her institution can and will accept the award monies for the sole purpose set out in this award, as specified in the criteria, including that the institution agrees not to apply or withhold administrative fees or indirect costs.There are no geographic (international or domestic) restrictions.There are no age restrictions.Unsuccessful applicants may apply for the award again in subsequent years.Past recipients are eligible to apply for the award again after a period of three years. There is no limit to the number of times a recipient may receive the award.The award winner will be expected to present results from his/her research project at the ARVO Annual Meeting two years later You must be a member of this organization to apply for this award - become a member.

Ineligibility

ARVO and ARVO Foundation Officers, Board members and ARVO Foundation Awards Committee members are not eligible to apply for or be nominated for an award, nor may they supply letters of support during their terms.