Davida Teller Award

The Davida Teller Award is in honor of Professor Davida Teller’s exceptional scientific achievements, commitment to equity, and strong history of mentoring. Beginning in 2026, the award will recognize a mid-career vision scientist who has made exceptional, significant, and/or lasting contributions to vision science and has also served as an outstanding mentor. The contributions may be fundamental, clinical, or applied. Mid-career investigators are defined as those with 10-25 years of active research/teaching since earning their terminal degree (excluding times that typically “stop the clock” in academic careers). Going forward, the Vision Sciences Society is committed to achieving gender balance among awardees.

Nomination Process

Nominations may be made by any current (a) regular member, or (b) postdoctoral member, or (c) those who hold emeritus status. A nominee must have been an active VSS member in recent years. Previously considered nominees are eligible to be re-nominated. Please note that only one nomination per candidate will be accepted. If multiple nominations for the same individual are received, we will ask the nominators to collaborate and submit a joint nomination.

The nomination must include the following:

• One nomination letter, outlining in detail the contributions and innovations of the nominee, discussing clear indicators of the nominee’s impact on the field of vision science. The nomination letter should also demonstrate the nominee’s strength in mentorship. The nomination letter can be co-signed.
• If life circumstances (e.g., leaves of absence) would extend the period of eligibility for the award, a brief statement should be included (even if the candidate is not in the final year of eligibility).
• A curriculum vitae including an up-to-date publication list.
• No more than four letters of support, three of which must be from regular members, postdoctoral members, or those who hold emeritus status.

Nominations should be submitted by email to Shauney Wilson.

Nominations will be reviewed by an Award Committee consisting of a member of the VSS Board of Directors, and four established scientists selected from the VSS membership. Members of the Award Committee and of the VSS Board of Directors may not serve as nominators or nominees, or provide letters of support.

Schedule

Nominations Open: November 24, 2026
Nominations Close: February 4, 2027
Recipient Announced: by March 10, 2027