In support of its commitment to providing the best in contact lens technology through ongoing advanced research and development, CooperVision, Inc. has announced a call for proposals for the CooperVision Science and Technology (S&T) Awards Program. Now in its fourth 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 2017 Science and Technology Awards are:
- Strategies to improve contact lens comfort, with an emphasis on devices and non-pharmaceutical approaches with novel modes of action (ocular or non-ocular) to retain, manage, or enhance moisture at the ocular and/or lens surface;
- Insights into the retinal response from optical defocus; and
- Technologies to expand the functionality of contact lenses as a wearable device for application beyond conventional vision correction
“At CooperVision, we are constantly working toward the next development in contact lens technology in order to deliver the greatest benefits to current and future contact lens wearers,” said Arthur Back, Chief Technology Officer, CooperVision. “These advancements start with innovative ideas, sometimes from outside sources such as our S&T Award recipients. To give these scientists the opportunity to apply their research—especially in partnership with CooperVision’s own scientists—is mutually beneficial for all involved. We look forward to seeing the original thinking, unique perspectives, and novel concepts represented in this year’s proposals.”
The CooperVision S&T Awards Program is open to researchers around the world. Interested applicants must submit a letter of intent by May 30, 2016. Upon approval of the letter of intent, applicants must submit a full proposal by August 29, 2016.
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 http://coopervision.com/our-company/science-and-technology-awards.