The program centers on contact lens advancements.
(Press Release) PLEASANTON, CA — As part of its commitment to advancing the industry through continuous contact lens research and development, CooperVision Inc. is seeking proposals for the CooperVision Science and Technology Awards Program. Now in its fifth year, the program fosters partnerships between award recipients and CooperVision scientists to explore new areas of advancement in contact lens technology, and enable the translation of concepts into real world solutions.
Each year, CooperVision determines specific areas of focus for the research proposals. The key focus areas for the 2018 Science and Technology Awards are:
- Research on visual fatigue associated with the use of digital devices, including characterization of ocular signs and symptoms, root cause, triggers and individual susceptibility.
- Strategies to improve ocular surface and contact lens comfort, with an emphasis on novel devices, non-pharmaceutical therapies and approaches/mechanisms for controlled delivery.
- Technologies to expand the functionality of contact lenses for applications beyond conventional vision correction.
“The contact lens advancements underpinning CooperVision’s outstanding product portfolio are the result of both our own and external technologies,” said Arthur Back, chief technology officer, CooperVision. “We are constantly looking for the next innovation to accelerate the discovery of new technology. Those innovative ideas born from past S&T Awards have already transformed our approach to helping improve the way people see each day. We are excited to see this year’s proposals and partner with these new scientists to work toward bringing their concepts to life.”
The CooperVision S&T Awards Program is open to researchers around the world, and is not limited to those currently working in the area of vision research. Interested applicants may submit a maximum of three letters of intent by May 26. Upon approval of a letter of intent, applicants must submit a full proposal by Aug. 25.
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Through the Science and Technology Awards program, there are two types of awards available. The CooperVision Seedling Award is intended to incentivize collaboration with CooperVision in a new research area for a one-year period. The award enables investigators to generate preliminary data that could be used toward a future CooperVision Translational Research Award. The maximum total cash amount for a CooperVision Seedling Award is $100,000, including indirect costs.
The CooperVision Translational Research Award is a multi-year award for a substantive translational research project. Research under this award is milestone-driven in order to remain focused on a well-defined goal. It provides funding for up to two years, totaling up to $400,000, including indirect costs. A maximum of $250,000 can be requested for any one year. A CooperVision Translational Research Award may be considered for renewal at the end of the initial research period.
Research proposals should demonstrate significant potential for research discoveries and technological advancements that CooperVision can rapidly commercialize to improve the performance, enhance the functionality, and/or broaden the use of contact lenses.
For more information on the application process and materials, visit https://coopervision.com/our-company/science-and-technology-awards-2018.
