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Scientific Grants and Awards Programs

Individual Investigator Research Award (IIRA)

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  • Overview
  • Applying
  • Reporting
  • Current Awards

Overview

Individual Investigator Research Awards are designed to concentrate research in areas with the greatest potential to move toward treatments and cures for the inherited orphan retinal degenerative diseases and dry age-related macular degeneration. This award provides approximately $100,000 per year up to three (3) years.

These opportunities seek candidates that hold a Ph.D., M.D., M.D./Ph.D., D.M.D., D.V.M., D.O., O.D., or equivalent degree and have a faculty position or equivalent at a domestic or foreign: non-profit organization, or public or private institution, such as a university, college, medical school, hospital, research institute, or laboratory. Individuals from underrepresented racial, ethnic and gender groups, as well as individuals with disabilities, are always encouraged to apply.

Applying

All prospective award recipients first submit a Letter of Intent and, by invitation only, an application via the Foundation’s online application portal. Application guidelines should be downloaded and reviewed before beginning your letter or application.

Start Application

Resource Download

Download Individual Investigator Research Award LOI Guidelines

Download Individual Investigator Research Award LOI Guidelines (PDF, 255 KB)

Resource Download

Download Individual Investigator Award Application Guidelines

Download Individual Investigator Award Application Guidelines (PDF, 216 KB)

Resource Download

Download Individual Investigator Research Award Budget Template

Download Individual Investigator Research Award Budget Template (XLSX, 11.8 KB)

Reporting

Research progress and accomplishments are tracked during the funding period through Scientific Progress and Financial reports.  All reports should be uploaded to the Foundation’s reporting portal.

Resource Download

Download Award Administration Contact Form

Download Award Administration Contact Form (DOCX, 28 KB)

Resource Download

Download Individual Investigator Research Award Progress Report & Financial Report Instructions

Download Individual Investigator Research Award Progress Report & Financial Report Instructions (DOCX, 69.2 KB)

Resource Download

Download Individual Investigator Research Award Progress Report Cover Page and Checklist

Download Individual Investigator Research Award Progress Report Cover Page and Checklist (PDF, 15.2 KB)

Resource Download

Download Financial Report Form

Download Financial Report Form (XLS, 28.5 KB)

Resource Download

Download Institutional Agreement Form

Download Institutional Agreement Form (PDF, 188 KB)
Current Awards
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The urgent mission of the Foundation Fighting Blindness is to drive the research that will provide preventions, treatments and cures for people affected by retinitis pigmentosa, macular degeneration, Usher syndrome and the entire spectrum of retinal degenerative diseases. The Foundation is a beacon for those affected by these blinding diseases. Join the fight and help us accelerate our mission.

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