Research to Prevent Blindness and Association of University Professors of Ophthalmology Announce 2025 Recipient of RPB David F. Weeks Award for Outstanding Vision Research

SAN FRANCISCO, CA and NEW YORK, NY, January 8 – 

Maria Bartolomeo Grant, MD has been selected as the 2025 RPB David F. Weeks Award for Outstanding Vision Research (Weeks Award). The Weeks Award, funded through the generosity of Research to Prevent Blindness (RPB), an anonymous donor, and the Association of University Professors of Ophthalmology (AUPO), annually recognizes and celebrates an excellent vision researcher. The award carries the name of David F. Weeks, former President and Chairman of RPB, in honor of his contributions to the field of vision research. Dr. Grant, the Eivor and  Alston Callahan, MD, Endowed Chair in Ophthalmology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, will receive her award and deliver a presentation during the AUPO 2025 Annual Meeting in Fort Lauderdale, Florida in January.

Brian Samuels, MD, PhD, Chair, at Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, shared, “Dr. Grant’s work exemplifies the highest standards of scientific excellence and innovation. Her contributions have redefined our understanding of retinal diseases and opened new therapeutic pathways, offering hope to countless individuals affected by vision impairments.”

“In recognizing Dr. Grant for this prestigious award, RPB and the AUPO honor and acknowledge one of the most productive vision science researchers in the world.  She and her team have a record of consistency and innovation from her early work in growth factors and angiogenesis in diabetic retinopathy to her current focus on studying stem cells and their role in repair and regeneration in retinal disease.  She has discovered unique pathways and potential disease modifying targets that will undoubtedly lead to new treatments for our blinding diseases of the retina,“ stated Nicholas J. Volpe, MD, AUPO President.

“On behalf of Research to Prevent Blindness, I congratulate Dr. Grant on this well-deserved award. Dr. Grant’s work has significantly advanced our understanding of and ability to treat retinal diseases like diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration. The sheer number of people affected by these conditions speaks to the impact of Dr. Grant’s work. However, her colleagues also cite her dedication to scientific excellence, and this is a quality with which Mr. Weeks would be particularly gratified,” said Brian F. Hofland, PhD, President of Research to Prevent Blindness.

For more information on the RPB David F. Weeks Award for Outstanding Vision Research, visit the AUPO website.

About Research to Prevent Blindness

Research to Prevent Blindness (RPB) is the leading nonprofit organization supporting eye research directed at the prevention, treatment, or eradication of all diseases that damage and destroy sight. As part of this purview, RPB also supports efforts to grow and sustain a robust and diverse vision research community. Since it was founded in 1960 by Dr. Jules Stein, RPB has awarded more than $423 million in research grants to the most talented vision scientists at the nation’s leading medical schools. As a result, RPB has been associated with nearly every major breakthrough in the understanding and treatment of vision loss in the past 64 years. Learn more at www.rpbusa.org.

About Association of University Professors of Ophthalmology

The Association of University Professors of Ophthalmology (AUPO) was founded in 1966 as a nonprofit organization dedicated to research and education. AUPO champions an inclusive academic ophthalmology community to promote and advocate for excellence and equity in ophthalmic education, professional development, research, and clinical care. For more information, visit aupo.org.

Media Contact: Association of University Professors of Ophthalmology

Lisa Brown

Email: aupo@aao.org

Phone: (415) 447-0249

Media Contact: Research to Prevent Blindness

Diana Friedman

Email: dfriedman@rpbusa.org

Phone: (646) 892-9565

January 8, 2025