Research Awards (PRO RETINA Foundation for the Prevention of Blindness)

The PRO RETINA Foundation for the Prevention of Blindness annually awards two research prizes, each endowed with €5,000, for outstanding original publications in the field of retinal degenerations. The awards recognize excellent work in basic and clinical research, for example in gene localization, pathophysiological investigations, or the efficacy of innovative therapeutic approaches. The focus of the funding is on early-career researchers up to the age of 40 whose publications have appeared or been accepted for publication in peer-reviewed journals or edited volumes. Outstanding habilitation and doctoral theses are also considered. A special evaluation emphasis is placed on the scientific quality of the work, its relevance to the understanding of retinal diseases, and the demonstrated contribution of the proposed individual within the authorship team.

Eligible to submit proposals are university professors and comparable researchers outside of universities, with self-nominations excluded. Submissions must be made electronically as a single PDF document no later than May 30 each year. This must include reprints of the publication, a justification for the nomination, and the academic curriculum vitae (brief CV and list of publications). After review by the Scientific-Medical Advisory Board and the boards of both organizations, the awardees are honored at the annual meeting of the German Ophthalmological Society (DOG). The award aims to promote pioneering research and sustainably support young scientists in the fight against blindness.