The IOA Early Career Clinician-Scientist Research Award was instituted in 2015 to recognize recent orthoptic graduate researchers who are engaged in basic clinical research and are committed to careers as orthoptic clinician-scientists.

The Awards are presented every four (4) years in recognition of significant research work by a new researcher at the IOA Congress or other suitable event.

Purpose: to recognize individuals for conducting outstanding research early in their careers. The IOA recognizes that this award will contribute to the growth of the career of the awardee.

Eligibility: Must have completed training or have shown other evidence of research career starting < 6 years prior to IOA Congress (i.e. research conducted within 5 years of doctoral and post-doctoral work, completed master’s training or completed orthoptic training). Must be an IOA member.

Apply: candidates wishing to be considered will apply online and submit the following information:
 

1) A completed online application form.
2) A research statement: The research statement should be 1,000 words maximum. Citations and references are allowed but not required. In-text citations do count towards the maximum word limit. Reference lists on a separate pate will not count towards the word limit. This may be submitted as either a Word document or a PDF. APA format should be used and this statement should include:
a. Information on past research experience, including a section that highlights at least one project that has been completed recently (within 12 months preceding the date of application). Do not include figures or tables.
b. Information about current research and why it is important.
c. Future proposed research projects.
d. The research statement should be used to highlight independence of research, novelty of ideas and implications of research.
3) A curriculum Vitae: This may be submitted as either a Word document or a PDF.
4) Two letters of recommendation: These letters should highlight the independence of the applicant’s work and the significant contribution of this research, as well as the potential of this new researcher within their field of interest.
 

Selection: An ad hoc three member committee will be appointed by the IOA Education Research Program to review applications for this award and select the winner. Focus will be placed on the applicant’s general research experience and specific completed research projects. The research independence of the applicant as well as the novelty and implications of research performed will be assessed.

Award: Refund of the registration fee plus a certificate. IOA to be responsible for costs of this award and for seeking sponsorship.

Application date: TBC