A key priority for Fighting Blindness is to support the next generation of vision researchers. They recognise that training, networking and developing collaborations is key to the career development of early-stage career researchers and clinicians.

Purpose

• The purpose of the award is to provide funding for applicants to:
  • Attend an official training course (in-person or virtual),
  • Attend training in another laboratory on a specific technique(s),
  • Present research papers/posters at national/international conferences/workshops (in person or virtual),
  • Facilitate national and/or international networking and collaboration meetings or events.

Funding Information

• The maximum total funding available for the award is €1,500.
• The activity must take place between January 2026 and December 2026.

Eligible Costs

• The following costs will be covered for the awardee:
  • Registration/ course fees
  • Travel
  • Accommodation
  • Subsistence
  • Activity costs:
    • Examples include- Room rental, tea and coffee etc. Travel for participants not included.
    • Consumable costs associated with training in specific techniques.

Uses of the Funds

• Travel
  • Travel should be by the most economical means and Fighting Blindness expressly encourages that public transport be used whenever possible, when this is the cheapest option. Tickets for public transport should be booked in advance where possible and should be standard class or economy class only. Fighting Blindness acknowledges that this may not always be possible due to health reasons.
  • Flights should be economy class only.
  • Taxi’s may be used but are the least preferred method of transport. Taxi’s should be shared where possible and incur no additional fees i.e. waiting time charges or tips.
• Accommodation
  • The cost of accommodation should be reasonable and in line with the duration of the event. For travel to conferences/meetings, applicants must endeavour to book accommodation not exceeding a 4 star rating. For accommodation in Ireland, a rate not exceeding €180 per night (B&B; standard room) should be sought.
  • For international accommodation rates will vary depending on the city and country, therefore, it is difficult to give a guiding rate. However, accommodation rates that are reasonable and in line with the average daily hotel rate for the specific location should be sought. Accommodation costs for travelling partners will not be covered.
  • Facilities and services which are not provided free of charge by the hotel are not permitted (e.g. wi-fi costs, breakfast (if not included in room price and over €10), room service, newspapers etc).
• Subsistence
  • Breakfast, lunch and dinner costs to a value of €12, €15, and €25 per person respectively would be deemed reasonable.
  • An added tip or discretionary service charge of up to 15% on bills is deemed reasonable in countries where such charges are expected and are standard practice.
• Holding events
  • Costs such as room rental, AV costs, tea and coffee costs, lunch costs will be reimbursed where deemed reasonable.
  • Where possible, room hire for any events should ideally be in locations that are free of charge. However, Fighting Blindness acknowledge that depending on the type of event and location that this is not always possible.
• Alcohol
  • Fighting Blindness do not fund alcohol for any events or meals or any form of entertainment.

Eligibility Criteria

• Applications that do not meet the eligibility criteria will not be assessed. Therefore, they strongly recommend you read the following to be made aware of requirements:
  • Activity:
    • The activity must be in the vision loss research specifically in the areas of inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) and age related macular degeneration (AMD). Applications in the area of diabetic retinopathy will also be considered.
      • In terms of training if the training is in a broader area, then the applicant must demonstrate how it is useful for their career in vision loss research.
      • Networking and collaboration events must be in the area of vision loss research.
  • Clinical activities with no research aspect are not eligible.
  • The funding is not meant to be used to supplement an existing networking and collaboration event. It should be a standalone activity.
  • Training in another laboratory must be for a specific technique or techniques that will directly benefit your vision loss research. This training must not be available in your own lab.
  • Applicants must ensure they meet all visa and entry requirements for international activities and are advised to contact the relevant embassy well in advance of travel.
  • Academic applicants must:
    • Be a PhD student or an untenured postdoctoral scientist (not be tenured for a lectureship position at the time of applying for the Career Development Award).
    • For postdoctoral scientists have between a maximum five years research experience following their doctoral degree (time since date of thesis submission).
    • Have a strong commitment to progressing their career in vision research.
    • Have a studentship or contract in the host institute that covers the entire duration of the award.
  • Clinical applicants must:
    • Have a medical degree.
    • Must not be at consultant level.
    • Have previous experience undertaking research.
    • Have a strong commitment to undertaking vision research.
    • Have a contract in the host institute that covers the entire duration of the award.

Application Requirements

• Application form
• Applicant CV (using Fighting Blindness applicant CV template)
• Host Institute Declaration of Support (using Fighting Blindness Declaration of Support template)
• Host PI Letter of Support (only needed for applications for training on specific techniques in a laboratory)

For more information, visit Fighting Blindness.

https://www.fightingblindness.ie/news/fighting-blindness-career-development-award-2025-call-now-open/