The Alcon Foundation (U.S. only)

The Alcon Foundation (U.S. only) is sponsored by Alcon Foundation. This opportunity supports mission-aligned projects and measurable outcomes.

ARI Grant Applications and Guidelines | Alcon ARI Grant Applications and Guidelines Alcon Research Institute funds a virtual institute that seeks outstanding contributors to ophthalmic research throughout the world and honors them both in a symposium that elite members of the eye research community attend, as well as monetarily through the ARI Senior and ARI Early Investigator research grants.

Early & Senior Grant Application timelines: Feb 2026: Application period for 2026 Grants closed Feb 15, 2026 Feb-May 2026: ARI Selection Committee reviews submitted applications Summer 2026: 2026 Grant recipients announced ~Aug 2026: Application window opens for 2027 grant season Introducing the Early Investigator Grant! We’re thrilled to share some energizing news around our grants program.

Starting in 2026 the Young Investigator Grant will be known as the Early Investigator Grant . New name, same mission – a clearer focus on stage of independence, not age, and a better reflection of our commitment to supporting investigators as they launch and accelerate their early, independent careers.

Open to all members of the vision science community who are actively involved in independent research efforts (e.g., academics, engineers, clinician scientists). Members of the Alcon Research Institute Scientific Selection Committee and Alcon Research Institute Executive Committee are not eligible to apply. Only one application allowed from an individual each year.

No limit to the number of applications that can come from a single institution. The maximum grant amount is $250,000. Research funds will be paid in one lump sum payment that can be carried forward on a yearly basis as no-cost extensions for a total of up to 3 years from the date of selection.

A maximum of no more than 20% can be taken from the grant by the institution for indirect costs. ARI research funding may not be paid to support research performed by the same applicant more frequently than every 3 years, or more than twice over a lifetime, or by more than 1 Sr. investigator award. The application does not require previous research or supporting data, but the applicant is welcome to submit any supporting materials.

Along with the application, applicants should submit an up-to-date NIH-style bio-sketch, a detailed CV, an up-to-date photo, a full publication list, and a reference letter or two attesting to the accomplishments of the applicant and describing how the applicant is qualified to complete the proposed studies. The Title/Rank/Level of the individual applying for a Sr. ARI Grant should be at least Associate Professor or equivalent.

See the ARI Senior Research Grant Proposal template Submit all application materials to [email protected] Intended to encourage and promote the early independent career development of clinicians and scientists in vision research and ophthalmology. Along with the application, applicants should submit an up-to-date NIH-style bio-sketch or detailed CV, an up-to-date photo, and a letter of reference, preferably from the department head.

Only two applications are permitted from a given institution. If more than two applications are submitted, a note will be sent to the head of the department asking him/her to decide on the top two applicants. The maximum grant amount is $100,000.

The grant will be applied to support the research program of the grant recipient at their institution. A maximum of no more than 10% can be taken from the grant by the institution for indirect costs. ARI research funding may not be paid to support research performed by the same applicant more frequently than every 3 years, or more than twice over a lifetime, or by more than 1 Sr. investigator award.

Applicants must be devoting at least 50% of their time toward research. Grant date can be no more than eight years post-training. There are no requirements based on Rank/Level/Title, but applicants must not yet have attained R-level grant status or equivalent.

Candidate must be appointed or nominated to the assistant professor level (either research or tenure track). Associate professors are allowed, provided they are 8 years or less. See the ARI Early Investigator Grant Proposal template Submit all application materials to [email protected]