The International Council of Ophthalmology (ICO) and AbbVie Advanced Research Fellowship allows a young ophthalmologist to continue basic or clinical research at a chosen university, preferably in a foreign country to where they live. The fellowship is open to candidates from all countries. Applications will be accepted for research work in the following subspecialties: Glaucoma, Neuro-Ophthalmology, Pediatric Ophthalmology, Retina, Tumours, Uveitis, Dry Eye, and Cornea. There is one fellowship awarded per year, with US$ 50,000 stipend. The application deadline 31 March each year. The ICO-AbbVie Advanced Research fellow will be chosen and notified in July of the same year.

Basic Requirements:

• Applicant must be a graduate of an ophthalmology residency training program and a specialist exam in ophthalmology must be successfully passed.
• Minimum 12 months of research training must be completed
• Applicant must be under 40 years of age at the time of applying.
• Applicant must be reasonably fluent in the language of the fellowship training center and/or English.
• The ICO recommends that candidates pass one or more ICO Examinations. This is considered in the assessment of applications.
• Applicants from countries with ophthalmology societies that are an ICO Member Society  will receive special consideration

Research Requirements:

The following additional documents need to be submitted as part of the application process:

• Detailed curriculum vitae
• Detailed publication list and impact factors
• Description of previous work in the field of the application
• Application endorsement by the current program director/employer
• Detailed description of how research work should be continued during the fellowship
• Feasibility confirmation of the chosen host university
• Confirmation from the present program director/employer that the applicant may return after his/her fellowship and resume his/her position.