The Vision Science Research Network (VSRN) offers a wide range of scholarship and grant programs to support established researchers, early career researchers (less than 5 years), clinicians, postdoctoral fellows, as well as students at different levels (undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate science students, medical students, and residents).
For researchers, there are many funding opportunities.
Common Infrastructure Program
The goal of the Common Infrastructure (IF) program is to offer VSRN researchers resources and work tools accessible to all that they would not otherwise have been able to afford, in order to promote vision research in Quebec. The IFs supported by the RRSV have become essential to the operation of several laboratories in the Network. Their impact is undeniable in terms of scientific publications, conference presentations and grants. The Visual Impairment & Rehabilitation Database has notably helped to influence the policy for distributing low vision care in Quebec. This program is considered one of the most useful and effective.
National and International Networking Program
Designed to promote collaborations in Quebec and abroad, this program supports researchers in the development of partnerships and scientific exchanges.
Pilot Project Program for Early Career Researchers
This program was created to support early career vision researchers and vision rehabilitation professionals. It aims to promote the maintenance of a critical mass of vision science researchers in Quebec, to attract international researchers, and to finance pilot projects demonstrating the feasibility of new projects.
Myopia Fund Program
This program is an initiative of the Fondation des malaides de l’oeil (FMO) and aims to fund research projects to understand, prevent and treat myopia.
Program for the Financing of a Scientific Event
This funding aims to provide financial support to members of the Network in the organization of a scientific event (conference, symposium, provincial, national or international scientific congress and scientific café) in the field of vision.
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For students and interns, the RRSV offers several financial aid programs.
Recruitment Scholarship
Intended for graduate students and health professionals, this scholarship aims to spark students’ interest in vision sciences from the start of their training. It is intended for students newly admitted to graduate studies and registered full-time at a Quebec university, allowing them to continue their training in vision health under the supervision of a member of the RRSV. A separate budget envelope is also reserved for students in professional health diplomas wishing to undertake research training.
VSRN Excellence Award
The goal of this program is to help graduate vision research students (MSc and PhD) perform better in scholarship competitions from funding agencies (FRQ, CIHR, others). Constructive feedback from reviewers will help them improve their applications when submitted to these organizations.
Travel Award: PRESENTATION
This program provides financial support for the participation of student members in scientific events, whether in the form of oral or poster presentations. The objectives include facilitating student mobility, recognizing their excellence, and developing their research capacity in cutting-edge fields.
Travel Award: TRAINING
This initiative provides financial support to college, graduate, and postdoctoral students to complete short-term training programs. Objectives include networking, the acquisition of new skills, and recognition of excellence in vision science research.
Merit scholarship: INTERNSHIP
This initiative provides financial support to college, graduate and postdoctoral student members to undertake research or research initiation internships. Objectives include networking, acquiring new learning, and recognizing excellence in vision science research.
Program for the financing of a scientific event (when supported by a researcher who is a member of the Network)
This funding aims to provide financial support to members of the Network in the organization of a scientific event (conference, symposium, provincial, national or international scientific congress and scientific café) in the field of vision.
Student prices during network’s events
These awards are presented to recognize excellence in presentations at VSRN events such as the VSRN Annual Meetings and Summer Schools, thereby recognizing the work of students. These awards recognize the best oral and poster presentations.