The Elsevier/VSS Young Investigator Award, sponsored by Vision Research, recognizes an early-career vision scientist who has made outstanding contributions to the field. The nature of this work can be fundamental, clinical, or applied. The award selection committee gives highest weight to the significance, originality and potential long-range impact of the work. The selection committee may also consider the nominee’s previous participation in VSS conferences or activities, and substantial obstacles that the nominee may have overcome in their careers. We are committed to achieving gender balance among awardees. The awardee is invited to give a brief presentation at the VSS Annual Meeting and is required to write an article to be published in Vision Research.

Nomination Process

Nominations may be made by any current regular member or postdoctoral member of the Vision Sciences Society, as well as those who hold emeritus status. A nominee must be an active VSS member, attending at least three of the last five VSS meetings. Nominees may have no more than 10 years of active research experience since earning their terminal degree, excluding times that typically “stop the clock” in academic careers. For the upcoming 2026 award, if there was no break in active research/teaching, the degree must have been awarded in or after 2016. If still eligible, nominees from previous years can 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:

• A nomination letter, outlining in detail the scientific contributions of the nominee, and discussing clear indicators of exceptional impact on the field of vision science. 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.
• One letter of support from regular members, postdoctoral members or those who hold emeritus status.

Nominations should be submitted by email to Shauney Wilson.

Nominations are reviewed by an Award Committee consisting of a representative of the VSS Board of Directors and five established scientists selected from VSS membership. Members of the Award Committee and of the VSS Board of Directors cannot serve as nominators or provide letters of support.

Schedule

Nominations Open: November 24, 2025
Nominations Close: January 22, 2026
Recipient Announced: March 27, 2026