ESCRS Pioneer Research Award

About this program

The European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ESCRS) Pioneer Research Award supports independent clinical research in cataract and refractive surgery, including clinical trials, observational studies, epidemiological research, registries, and retrospective studies. Awards provide up to €50,000 for projects lasting no more than two years, with applications due 24 September 2026. Applicants must be ophthalmologists under 45 (and generally fewer than 10 years post-MD), ESCRS members for at least one year, and hold a full-time clinical or research position at a European clinical or academic centre. Proposals must reference relevant systematic reviews and meta-analyses, include supervision by an established researcher, and meet ESCRS requirements for methodological quality, feasibility, budget, dissemination, and impact.