The Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences is dedicated to providing researchers with the support they need to conduct excellent research. With a wide array of resources at your disposal, including tools, documents, and expert contacts, we’re committed to empowering your research endeavors. Whether you’re exploring innovative treatments, unraveling the complexities of eye diseases, or advancing technologies in vision care, we’re here to assist you.
DOVS Research Administration
Christina Thomas-Virnig
Credentials: PhD
Position title: Director of DOVS Translational Research
Email:
clthoma1
Inna Larsen
Position title: Multi-Functional Research Administrative Manager
Email:
ivlarsen
Vaqar Adhami
Credentials: PhD
Position title: Multi-Functional Research Administrator
Email:
vmadhami
Grant Proposal Submission
Please use the Grant Proposal Submission Form to initiate the process. This form will ask for basic information that will assist Vaqar and Inna with the creation of the budget, WISPER, and/or Cayuse record, or any other forms required by the sponsor. Please have the form submitted at least 10 business days prior to the due date to provide enough time for SMPH and RSP to approve the proposal.
Funding Opportunity Announcements: August 2025
(For a full listing of funding opportunities, please see the Funding Opportunities and Resources Database linked below)
New Opportunities
Amount |
Due Date |
Sponsor |
Title |
Description |
Application Link |
| $12,000 | Applications open August 1 and are due October 1 | Association for Research in Vision and Opthalmology (ARVO) | Carl Camras Translational Research Awards | This award for young investigators working in areas of translational research honors Dr. Carl Camras, who is highly respected for his work as a glaucoma specialist and a research scientist. He is most widely recognized for developing prostaglandin analogues for the treatment of elevated IOP in patients with glaucoma. During his distinguished career, he took a personal interest in developing the next generation of eye and vision researchers.
Eligible nominees include young researchers who are 45 years of age or less at the time of nomination. Eligible nominees will have exhibited excellence in research and their fundamental scientific discoveries, concepts and novel technologies. Their discovery or observation must have led to, or have the promise of leading to, clinical application. |
The Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology- Carl Camras Translational Research Awards |
| $100,000 for 2 years | Applications open August 1 and are due October 1 | Association for Research in Vision and Opthalmology (ARVO) | Genentech Career Development Award for Underrepresented Minority Emerging Vision Scientists | The Genentech Career Development Award for Underrepresented Minority Emerging Vision Scientists provides research funding to early-career underrepresented minority (URM) investigators who have received their initial faculty appointment and are working to establish an independent vision research program. | The Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (arvo.org) |
| $100,000 | Applications open August 1 and are due October 1 | Association for Research in Vision and Opthalmology (ARVO) | Dr. David L. Epstein Award | Eligible applicants include ARVO members who are well-established, senior-level investigators with documented history of conducting eye and vision research in glaucoma and who have a record of successfully mentoring clinician-scientists to independent academic and research careers. The award will fund a research project that supports the applicant’s mentee in the applicant’s lab. | The Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology | Dr. David L. Epstein Award (arvo.org) |
| $30,000 | Applications open August 1 and are due October 1 | Association for Research in Vision and Opthalmology (ARVO) | Foundation Research Catalyst Awards | The ARVO Foundation Research Catalyst Awards are intended for investigators beginning their careers or returning to the workforce after an extended leave. The goal of this award is to support an initial research project for an investigator with a superb research idea. | The Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology | ARVO Foundation Research Catalyst Awards |
| $10,000 | Applications open August 1 and are due October 1 | Association for Research in Vision and Opthalmology (ARVO) | Bert M. Glaser, MD Award for Innovative Research in Retina | This award is given to an early-career investigator in recognition of the discovery of a drug or technique, or the understanding of a mechanism of disease, that is novel and has profoundly changed our understanding and/or treatment of a retinal disease or condition. The discovery must have taken place within five years of the date of application. | The Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology | Bert M. Glaser, MD Award for Innovative Research in Retina (arvo.org) |
| $30,000 honorarium | Applications open August 1 and are due October 1 | Association for Research in Vision and Opthalmology (ARVO) | Kreissig Award for Excellence in Retinal Surgery | This award, established by Ingrid Kreissig, MD in 2020 with an endowment through the ARVO Foundation, recognizes the next generation of curious, enterprising investigators who seek to optimize functional outcomes for patients needing retinal surgery.
The purpose of the award is to recognize investigators who have expanded or enhanced scientific knowledge related to the understanding of: a) The rationale and mechanisms for a minimal approach in retinal surgery b) An innovative surgical approach to retinal disease c) The functional results after the newly developed retinal surgery |
The Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology- Kreissig Award for Excellence in Retinal Research |
| Award amounts vary greatly from approximately $7,200, to $88,000. | The Fall Research Competition application opens on August 18, 2025 at 8 a.m. and closes on September 5, 2025 at 4:30 p.m. | Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research | This competition is for tenured professors and associate professors, tenure-track assistant professors, and permanent PIs at the University of Wisconsin–Madison.
Faculty members and permanent principal investigators (PI) may submit one application to the standard competition. This submission may be either individual or involve collaboration with another faculty member or permanent PI. |
This competition is for tenured professors and associate professors, tenure-track assistant professors, and permanent PIs at the University of Wisconsin–Madison.Faculty members and permanent principal investigators (PI) may submit one application to the standard competition. This submission may be either individual or involve collaboration with another faculty member or permanent PI. Applicants | Fall Research Competition |
| -$2000 toward project -$1000 for lab expenses -$1000 travel award |
Application currently open
Due October 31, 2025 |
VitreoRetinal Surgery Foundation | Research Awards | The purpose of the VitreoRetinal Surgery Foundation Research Award is to support early stage investigators conducting relevant research projects in macular and retinal disease and to encourage a career devoted to retinal disease and research. | Research Awards | VitreoRetinal Surgery Foundation |
Upcoming Deadlines
Amount |
Due Date |
Sponsor |
Title |
Description |
Application Link |
| $110,000 annually |
August 14, 2025 | Rita Allen Foundation | Rita Allen Foundation Scholars Program 2026 | The Rita Allen Foundation Scholars Program supports research scientists in the early stages of their careers and funds basic biomedical research in the fields of cancer, immunology, and neuroscience. The Rita Allen Foundation aims to advance transformative ideas and leverage them to promote breakthrough solutions. The program embraces innovative research with above-average risk and groundbreaking possibilities. | Rita Allen Scholars Program |
| Standard Award- $300,000 Post-doctoral Fellowship Award-$200,000 |
Request for Proposals Opens: June 30, 2025
Full Proposals Due: September 29, 2025 All deadlines are 5:00 p.m. EST (Washington, D.C.) on the day of the deadline. |
BrightFocus Foundation | Alzheimer’s Disease Research Program | Alzheimer’s Disease Research, a BrightFocus Foundation program, provides research funds for U.S. domestic and international researchers pursuing pioneering research leading to greater understanding, prevention, and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. | Alzheimer’s Disease Research Request for Proposals | BrightFocus Foundation |
| $150,000 |
Full Proposal Opens: Full Proposal Due: All deadlines are 5:00 p.m. EST (Washington, D.C.) on the day of the deadline. |
BrightFocus Foundation | National Glaucoma Research Grants | National Glaucoma Research, a BrightFocus Foundation program, provides research funds for U.S. domestic and international researchers pursuing pioneering research leading to greater understanding, prevention, and treatment of glaucoma. | National Glaucoma Research Grants | Apply for a Grant |
Ongoing Opportunities
Amount |
Due Date |
Sponsor |
Title |
Description |
Application Link |
| Up to $10,000 | accepted year-round | McPherson Eye Research Institute (MERI) | Grant Summit Program | The Grant Summit Program (GSP) was created to increase support for UW–Madison vision research by facilitating successful resubmissions of federal grant applications by McPherson ERI investigators. |
MERI-Member-Grant-Summit-Program-.pdf |
| Up to $1000 | accepted year-round | EMDR Foundation | Research Consultation Awards | Research consultation awards of up to $1,000 are available for clinicians, post-doctoral students, or university faculty interested in conducting research on EMDR and disseminating findings to the practice and scientific communities. The purpose of this award is to facilitate access to required expertise that would advance the development of an EMDR research project, to support the completion of an EMDR research project underway, or the writing of an article on EMDR for publication in a professional journal. | Research Consultation Awards | EMDR Foundation |
Funding Opportunities and Resources Database
Explore our curated spreadsheet containing a comprehensive list of available grants, providing a valuable resource for researchers seeking funding opportunities.
Research Interest Directory
Meet our researchers, collaborators, and affiliates by exploring their research specialties in our 2025 Research Interest Directory.
Faculty Award Opportunities
The Award opportunities listed here are not intended to be an exhaustive list but are Awards that SMPH and the Dean’s office views as high value opportunities.
Biostatistical Consulting
Biostatistical analysis enhances the robustness of research findings and should be employed for all types of research studies, including, but not limited to, basic, clinical, and population studies. Statistical consultation is especially valuable during the planning stage of a research study or a proposal for extramural funding. Powered studies are also now a requirement for both IRB applications and internal applications for gift funds appropriated through Funds Distribution Committee. The appropriate analyses provide a level of integrity and validity to research that strengthens the resulting findings enabling their acceptance by the biomedical community.
Two methods of biostatistical consulting are available:
1) In-house biostatistical consulting
Kyle Peterson
Biostatistician
kdpeterson4@wisc.edu
2) Institute for Clinical and Translational Research (ICTR)
- Services through ICTR are provided by the Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics (BMI). It is the policy of the Department of BMI that a request for biostatistics consultation must be made at least (3) weeks in advance of any grant, abstract, poster, or analysis deadline. For large grant submissions, like an R01, at least four (4) weeks’ notice is preferred.
Services Provided:
Consultation/collaboration in the planning, design, conduct, and analysis of clinical/translational research.
The initial consultation is free of charge. Fees may be project dependent. Please inquire upon consultation whether fees will be incurred for your project.
DOVS Funding Resources and Funds Distribution Committee
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Funds Distribution Committee
The Funds Distribution Committee (FDC) provides recommendations to the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences (DOVS) Chair regarding distribution of awarded and garnered funds from the UW Foundation, WARF, SMPH, and outside donations provided to the Department. From 2018 to 2023, FDC has awarded nearly $1.5 million in funding, with significant contributions from partners like the Lions Eye Bank of Wisconsin. Funds support medical student and resident research projects, international training opportunities, and faculty research and equipment. There are also designated funds for research in AMD, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and cornea research. FDC documents can be found on the intranet and more information can be found below.
Unless otherwise indicated, deadlines for submission to the FDC are two weeks prior to each meeting. Specific deadlines can be found on the intranet. From time to time other funding opportunities may occur that do not adhere to FDC deadlines. In this event, an email announcing specifics for the funding opportunity will be sent to all faculty, staff and learners.
Please note that specific travel funds for fellows are available through each fellowship specialty. Contact the fellowship advisor for more information.
In general, faculty should realize that these mechanisms can support one student researcher per faculty member per year, so mentors should prioritize requests for student research funding support.
Completed applications for any of the opportunities listed above should be emailed to Kristen Rogers, financial specialist, unless otherwise indicated in the application instructions.
DOVS Research Travel Award Program
The Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences has established a program to provide travel grants of $2,500.00 to Post-doctoral Fellows, Graduate Students, Medical Students, and Undergraduates to attend scientific meetings to present their research results.
Research Project and Equipment Purchases
All request forms are available in the Ophth Document Library (ODL) on the DOVS intranet, under the Funds Distribution Committee category. Use this form to request funds for research projects involving faculty or learners and/or equipment purchases.
Support for Medical and Undergraduate Student Research
Please read over Support for Medical Student Research, which can be found on the DOVS intranet and explains various funding opportunities. Please note that it is expected that any faculty member wishing to mentor a medical student research project should provide supporting funds from their own resources. If matching funds by a faculty member are not available, DOVS mentors may seek matching funds using several mechanisms.
Research Units and Resources
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Practical Resources for the Research Process
Compliance, Protocol, and Safety-Related Training Requirements
A comprehensive list from UW Madison of all trainings for PIs and all staff on protocols.
Funding Sources Acknowledgement Tool
A tool to acknowledge RPB and Vision Core grants.
medRISE (Research Investigator Support and Education)
Biotechnology and Graduate Studies has created this service to assist with the planning, development, and administration of competitive grant proposals.
New Faculty Guide to Competing for Research Funding
While this book is written with new faculty in mind, the content provides information useful to research administrators. To locate, go to the External Resources dropdown and click on “New Faculty Guide to Competing for Research Funding.”
Outside Activities Disclosure
Outside Activities Disclosure needs to be filled out annually by all UW faculty.
PI Obligations Under Research
Outlines the responsibilities of PIs to rights of invention/intellectual property.
Research Information for PIs
Updates and resources on University-wide research
Policy on the Tangible Research Property
Document that outlines the University’s policy on the ownership, access and distribution of tangible research property.
RAMP – Research Administration Management Portal
RAMP is a comprehensive research administration system that supports the entire research lifecycle, from proposal development and submission to award management and closeout.
Research Data Services (RDS)
Research Data Services (RDS) is a free resource for anyone on the UW-Madison campus that provides consultations, best practice information, and education and training on research data management and sharing.
Research and Sponsored Programs (RSP)
The RSP page has guidance on routing and the award lifecycle.
RSP – Effort Reporting and Certification
Information for Effort Reporting through the Employee Compensation Compliance System (ECC).
RSP – Frequently Needed Data
RSP’s Frequently Needed Data has relevant information for your research needs.
RSP Rates
RSP Rate Page has a list of F&A and Fringe Benefit Rates.
Researcher Toolkit
The Researcher Toolkit is a resource for UW-Madison faculty, staff, and student researchers that points to helpful resources for each phase of your research project.
Shapiro Summer Research Program
The program is designed to educate students about the process of scientific research and to develop skills in research study design, methodology, statistical analysis and presentation of findings. Past lecture recordings are available on the site.
SMPH Grant Writing Seminar Series
In conjunction with the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health (SMPH) Office for Faculty Affairs and Development, the UW Department of Medicine contracts with Grant Writers’ Seminars and Workshops (GWSW) to provide virtual seminars on grant writing.
The Art of Grantsmanship
Guidelines on preparing grant applications from the moment of conception to submitting the final proposal.
Training Opportunities
Training opportunities for working in RAMP are offered on a regular basis by Research and Sponsored Programs and through the Graduate School Seminar Series.
UW SMPH: Building Research Skills
UW SMPH research-related resources to help faculty and staff navigate institutional policies and procedures, find required or recommended trainings, locate opportunities for funding, and learn about research management.
UW SMPH: MATRIX Mentoring Program
Mentoring to Achieve Research Independence (MATRIX) is an intensive 9-month mentoring program coordinated by the School of Medicine and Public Health (SMPH) and designed to help faculty members (mentees) successfully land their first National Institute of Health (NIH) R01 Research Project Grant or equivalent.
UW Writing Center Grant Writing Handbook
Helpful aid on grant writing from the UW Writing Center.
NIH Biosketch & SciENcv Compliance
The NIH is adopting the use of Common Forms templates in accordance with notice NOT-OD-24-163, ensuring compliance with the Guidance for Implementing National Security Presidential Memorandum 33. This requirement will take effect for all NIH grant submissions and progress reports with a deadline to be announced.
What This Means for You:
- NIH T32 Training Grant submissions now require a SciENcv biosketch for all faculty trainers/mentors.
- The initial data input into SciENcv can be time-consuming, but compliance is mandatory.
- The NSF has already adopted Common Forms, and the NIH is now following suit.
The Office of Training Grant Support has created a resource page with videos and tools to assist investigators with SciENcv setup and management.
Extramural Federal Funding Resources
With the current federal transition, there have been changes to grant deadlines as well as the application process. Please see the links below for relevant updates:
Federal Updates – Federal Relations – UW–Madison
Federal Transition | Research & Sponsored Programs
398 Forms
398 forms and instructions for new grant applications can be found as paper copies of the instructions for NIH grants. It can be downloaded from this page.
About NIH Grants
Here is a guide from NIH that explains their grants and contracts.
Centers for Disease Control
Centers for Disease Control has many research funding opportunities available.
Electronic Research Admin (ERA)
ERA is the Office of Extramural Research that has infrastructure to manage grants awarded by NIH.
ERA Commons Login
The login should be used to access NIH grants.
National Eye Institute
The National Eye Institute houses a large number of links on grants and funding.
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
As America’s medical research agency, NIH supports research discoveries.
NIH and Federal Grant Links
Grants.gov is the U.S. government’s central website for funding opportunities through federal agencies.
NIH Funding
NIH Guide Funding Opportunities and Notices is an overview of NIH funding.
NIH RePORTER
NIH RePORTER is a query form to find the researcher or project you are looking for.
NIH Study Sections
The CSR Study Section Roster explains how applications are reviewed.
NSF Proposals
Research.gov is used in the preparation of NSF proposals.
Office of Extramural Support (OER)
The NIH OER has a great deal of information about grants, policy, and compliance.
Progress Reports
For Progress reports use the RPPR system. There are no paper forms for this process.
Resources and Programs for NIH Grant Applicants Infographic
The NIH information presented in this infographic was compiled through collaboration among a panel of sponsored research offices and principal investigators, and it was curated and approved by the Center for Scientific Review before dissemination to UW-Madison and other applicant institutions.
SF424
SF424 is an electronic application guide for NIH grants.
VA Office of Research
For information on research opportunities with William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital, call (608) 280-7007 or email VHAMADRDCOORDINATOR@va.gov.
Extramural Non-Federal Funding Resources
American Academy of Optometry
American Academy of Optometry supports optometric research and education to improve clinical patient care.
Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO)
ARVO has research awards, grants, and fellowships.
BrightFocus Foundation
BrightFocus funds exceptional scientific research worldwide to defeat Alzheimer’s disease, macular degeneration, and glaucoma and provides expert information on these heartbreaking diseases.
Fight for Sight
Fight for Sight has supported millions of eye and vision research.
Foundation Fighting Blindness
Foundation Fighting Blindness hosts several research funding opportunities throughout the year.
Glaucoma Foundation
Glaucoma Foundation awards grants to researchers who seek innovative ways to improve the lives of those living with glaucoma.
Glaucoma Research Foundation
Glaucoma Research Foundation invests in research and education to find a cure for glaucoma.
Intelligent Research in Sight (IRIS)
IRIS Registry Data Analysis, part of The American Academy of Ophthalmology, is the world’s largest specialty clinical data registry. Four grants are provided each year.
Research to Prevent Blindness (RPB)
RPB funds high-performing departments of ophthalmology in the USA.
Retina Research Foundation
Retina Research Foundation funds a wide variety of scientific research including pilot study grants, ongoing research projects, and lifetime achievement awards.
Intramural Funding Resources
Community Academic Partnership Fund
One of the Wisconsin Partnership Program funds also strives to improve the health of Wisconsinites. Here are three community grants offered: Community Collaboration Grants, Community Impact Grants, and Community Catalyst Grants.
Faculty Grant Programs
These programs seek to alleviate issues affecting people in Wisconsin. The three programs that DOVS faculty can participate in are: Collaborative Health Sciences Program, New Investigator Program, and Opportunity Grants Program.
Health Innovation Program from UW SMPH
HIP partners UW faculty with organizations to advance health around the country.
Institutional Nominations and Competitions
Institutional nominations and internal competition occur within the Graduate School every year. There are a vast number of grants and programs with various deadlines.
Training Grants
The T32 Vision Research Grant within DOVS is a competitive grant supporting training of graduate students and post-doctoral fellows.
UW Institute for Clinical and Translational Research (ICTR)
Pilot funding through ICTR includes many award programs.
UW Research Funding
Intramural funding is provided by the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Graduate Education.
Wisconsin Network for Health Research (WINHR)
WINHR is a partnership established to promote statewide research.
Wisconsin Partnership Program
The program seeks to improve the health and lives of people all over Wisconsin by investing in research, education, and community partnerships.
DOVS Research Units and Resources
2025 Research Interest Directory
A complete listing of our researchers, collaborators, and affiliates and their respective research specialties from our Biennial Research Retreat.
A-EYE Research Unit
Our A-EYE (Artificial intelligence/AI) unit uses neural networks to advance research on diseases like diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration. They support faculty, optimize clinical trials at the Wisconsin Reading Center, and forge industry partnerships.
Clinical Eye Research Unit (CERU)
CERU, our primary clinical research team, collaborates on eye-related studies, including clinical trials initiated across UW–Madison’s School of Medicine and Public Health, extending to UW Hospital and Carbone Cancer Center.
Funding Opportunities and Resources Database
Our Research Administration maintains a comprehensive and live spreadsheet of grants available to our researchers.
Wisconsin Reading Center (WRC)
Wisconsin Reading Center (WRC), previously the Fundus Photograph Reading Center (FPRC), our core image reading lab specializes in diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, uveitis, and various ophthalmic diseases. Founded on enduring principles of intellectual honesty, quality, relevance, innovation, and staff satisfaction, the WRC remains dedicated to advancing eye health research.
Vision Research Core
Vision Research Core provides researchers three distinct service areas: ocular omics/quantitative molecular biology; pathology and imaging; animal models and eye organ culture.
UW-Madison Campus Research Units and Resources
Biomedical Research Model Services (BRMS)
Formerly known as LAR, BRMS offers care for research animals to ensure quality experimental design.
Cores and Resources
Cores and Resources is a search engine to help UW researchers find research equipment and other services.
Health Sciences Institutional Review Board (HS-IRB)
HS-IRB ensures that protocol is met in regards to research performed on humans.
ICTR Clinical Research Unit (CRU)
Formerly known as GCRC, the CRU performs studies initiated by investigators and industry.
Library Support for Open Access Publishing
The libraries currently have arrangements with select publishers to cover author publishing charges (APCs) for open access publishing by UW-Madison corresponding authors. These are called ‘Read and Publish’ or ‘Transformative’ agreements, and are often done in consortium with the Big Ten Academic Alliance (BTAA). Most agreements offer full coverage of APCs while others offer a discount.
Office of Biological Safety (OBS)
OBS ensures that safe laboratory procedures are followed for biological materials.
Office of Clinical Trials (OCT)
OCT has support services for clinical trials on a fee-for-service basis.
Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Graduate Education
UW-Madison’s graduate school is an excellent place to get involved with research and make it your primary focus.
Public Access Service
Here is a guide to public access to publications requirements.
Policies, Responsibilities, and Procedures
Policies, Responsibilities, and Procedures provides an overview of UW Graduate School guidelines.
Rabbit AI
UW–Madison’s research discovery tool that helps faculty and staff find potential collaborators, shared research interests, grants, patents, and sponsored projects across campus.
Research Animals Resources Center (RARC)
RARC provides resources for animals used in research activities.
Graduate Programs, Funding and Resources
Information on available programs and funding at UW Madison to help you determine your research focus.
School of Medicine and Public Health
DOVS is part of SMPH, seeking new approaches to investigate illnesses.
UW Biotechnology Center
The Biotechnology Center offers services for UW researchers, including providing them with technology and resources.
WARF Technologies
Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation’s portfolio of over 2,200 patented technologies available for commercialization.
Wisconsin Discovery Portal
Wisconsin Discovery Portal is an excellent searchable database for all Principal Investigators at UW by topic, including a list of publications.