Alcon Research Institute
Encouraging, Advancing and Supporting Vision Research
In 1981, Alcon set out to help support research in eye health and to expand the frontiers of vision sciences globally – from this concept Alcon Research Institute (ARI) was born. Since then, the ARI has had a significant impact on the study of ocular diseases and has become a bridge to building partnerships with leading researchers around the world.
Now accepting 2026 Grant Applications!
Deadline February 15, 2026
Please see the Grant Applications and Guidelines for more details and application templates.
>380
Awards Granted
44
Years of ARI
$30M
Funded Research
Big Ideas, Bright Minds: Meet the Selected 2025 ARI Grant Recipients!
Warm congratulations to this year’s ARI grant recipients, recognized for their innovative research in vision science. Your achievements exemplify excellence and promise to advance the field in meaningful ways.
Recipients (left to right, top to bottom): John Hulleman, PhD, University Of Minnesota, Michael Tri Hoang Do, PhD, Boston Children’s Hospital, David Zacks, MD, PhD, University of Michigan, Jason Miller, MD, PhD, University Of Michigan, Aaron Nagiel, MD, PhD, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Tyson Kim, MD, PhD, University of California San Francisco, Elizabeth Rossin, MD, PhD, Harvard Medical School (Massachusetts Eye & Ear), Neel Pasricha, MD, University of California San Francisco
“The Alcon Research Institute grant has been a major enabler for my research program. Its flexibility allowed me to pursue new ideas and support small projects quickly, without waiting for traditional funding. A highlight was using the grant for an offsite analysis sprint, which accelerated our progress and learning—what would have taken months was achieved in a week. I also appreciated meeting other prize winners at the Alcon campus—an inspiring group."
-Dr. Anthony Khwaja
Professor of Ophthalmology, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology
2020 Young Investigator Grant recipient
Advances in Gene Therapy: 2025 Steven M. Podos Colloquium
Catch up on the highlights from the 2025 Steven M. Podos Colloquium, held just before the ARVO Annual Meeting. Discover insights from Dr. Krzysztof Palczewski’s compelling presentation on cutting-edge gene therapy strategies.
ARI Grant Application Deadlines
Application period for 2026 ARI Grants is open now through February 15, 2026.
Grant Recipients
Discover the ARI Grant Recipients—past and present—and explore the groundbreaking research made possible through ARI funding.
ARI Research Grants Applications
The Alcon Research Institute supports ophthalmic research across the globe through its virtual institute program. This initiative recognizes exceptional individuals who make significant contributions to vision science through research grants and symposiums that are attended by leading members of the eye research community.
Senior and Early Investigator ARI grant applications and guidelines
Annual Events
Alcon Research Institute hosts the annual Podos Colloquium, a keynote and scientific program highlighting recent advances in vision research, as well as the bi-annual Scientific Symposium, a lecture series featuring researchers that have been presented with an ARI grant.
Grant Recipients and Committee Members
Our grant recipients are leading vision science professionals who have been selected based on their contributions to the field and potential for further breakthroughs. We are grateful to the Alcon Research Institute's Committee Members for their dedicated service in selecting our Grant Recipients.