About the DCERF Program

The Developing Country Eye Researcher Travel Fellowship (DCERF) program brings aspiring scientists from developing nations to the ARVO Annual Meeting. The goal of the program is to provide young researchers with access to the latest in vision science while offering the opportunity to network with colleagues, mentors and thought leaders to develop an effective vision research program in their home countries.

DCERF recipients are assigned to established ARVO members who serve as mentors during the Annual Meeting. A welcome program will be held virtually to aid the recipients in navigating the Annual Meeting and gives them the opportunity to meet and network with others involved with this fellowship. A program is also held the final day of the Annual Meeting in order for recipients and mentors to share their experiences.

Applications are open annually from Sept. 1 through Oct. 31 via the online application. Winners are notified by mid-December.

The Fellowship began in 2008 and has since brought 173 researchers from 51 different countries to the ARVO Annual Meeting.

The award includes:

• Travel and accommodations for the ARVO Annual Meeting
• Annual Meeting registration
• One year of ARVO membership
• Support of an Annual Meeting mentor and the DCERF alumni community