Fondation de France - Grants for young researchers in opthalmology and neuro-opthalmology

Grants for young researchers in ophthalmology and neuro-ophthalmology

You will receive funding to cover your salary or scholarship whilst you carry out an eye research project in France. A scholarship is a fixed living allowance. There are four types, depending on your career stage. A Master’s 2 scholarship (for the final year of a French Master’s programme) amounts to 23,000 EUR per year. A PhD scholarship amounts to up to 39,000 EUR per year for three years, with the possibility of an extension for a fourth year. A postdoctoral scholarship lasts for up to two years, with the amount determined according to the host institution’s salary scale and your profile. An international mobility grant pays a lump sum of 3,250 EUR per month for up to 24 months, enabling clinicians to spend a full year conducting research abroad. The funding covers your salary or grant exclusively, with no fees deducted. It is provided by the Fondation de France, which has been funding eye research since 1980.

Who can apply

• Career stage: You are a young researcher, doctor or clinician working in the field of ophthalmology or neuro-ophthalmology.
• Field: Your project focuses on experimental, clinical or applied research into eye diseases, eye biology and physiology, or the neurological mechanisms underlying vision and eye movements.
• Host lab: A laboratory or clinical department is prepared to admit you and will issue you with a letter of referral.
• Nationality: Any nationality can apply.
• One per team: Your research team may submit only one application.

How to apply

Applications must be submitted online only. The deadline for applications is 16 April at 17:00 Paris time; the results will be announced in July of the following year. The selection process will take into account the scientific quality of your project, your personal commitment, a clear career plan and the quality of your host laboratory.

How realistic are your chances?

The selection criteria are narrowly defined: you must have an ongoing project in ophthalmology or neuro-ophthalmology, as well as a host laboratory willing to take you on; consequently, the eligible field is small and specialised. Since 1980, the programme has funded almost 200 projects, so it awards grants on a fairly regular basis rather than infrequently. If your research clearly falls within one of these two fields and you have solid support from your host laboratory, your prospects are good.