CooperVision announced the re-launch of its Science and Technology Awards Program, introducing a rolling submission model designed to accelerate and expand scientific collaboration.
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
The longstanding program enables researchers around the world to explore new dimensions in vision care, with the goal of translating innovative ideas into practical solutions. This year’s effort will focus on myopia, with a call for Seedling Award proposals that support innovative early-stage research in the following topic areas:
- Developing new ideas and technologies that could revolutionize myopia prevention and control;
- Identifying biomarkers that could forecast patient’s response to various myopia treatments
- New approaches to understand the underlying mechanisms of myopia onset, progression and control;
- Exploring structural and optical changes associated with myopia control treatment of young (<7 yr. old) myopes; or
- Understanding factors influencing therapy selection of patients beginning myopia control treatment.
The updated structure is a shift from previous years in which CooperVision issued annual calls. Now, researchers can submit full proposals year-round in response to specific focus areas. The change will involve a more thorough review process up front, resulting in quicker funding decisions.
HEAR FROM THE VP
“By fostering ongoing collaboration, the Science and Technology Awards aim to support a continuous pipeline of new ideas and collaborations that advance scientific discovery, driving meaningful progress in contact lens research and development and innovation over the years,” said Francis Erard, Vice President, Research and Development, CooperVision. “This is especially timely as the need for new insights and approaches to managing myopia grows globally.”
Submissions are currently limited to Seedling Awards, as part of an initial pilot under the new format. Seedling Awards are designed to catalyze fresh collaborations, novel ideas and early-stage concepts in myopia-related science and are available to postdoctoral fellows, and young and established investigators. Each award provides up to $100,000 in funding over a one-year period.
The updates mark an evolution of the program, which has been active since 2014 and has given more than $2.6 million in Seedling and Translational Award grants to date. CooperVision’s Science and Technology Awards are open to any researcher with principal investigator (PI) status holding an OD, MD, PhD or equivalent degree. Postdoctoral fellows with a PI waiver may also apply, provided appropriate documentation is submitted prior to funding.
For more information and to review submission guidelines, click here.
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