Committee opportunities
Committee volunteers are responsible for accurately sensing the environment, processing information and providing valuable guidance to the Board of Trustees. In addition to knowledge, skills and experience, consideration is given to appointing ARVO members who have not previously served on a committee and to broadening geographical and ethnic diversity and gender and Scientific Section parity. Providing full details in your application as well as having a complete ARVOonnect profile is helpful. Applications were accepted Dec. 5, 2022 through Jan. 11, 2023.
Applications received by Jan. 11 were considered for the term beginning May 2023.
The Advocacy and Outreach Committee (AOC) is seeking members who can demonstrate an understanding of the importance of educating the lay public and policymakers about vision research; can make clear connections between basic and clinical research; and have engaged or shown an interest in public policy, lobbying or public relations activities; and are knowledgeable of science policy as it relates to their country's government and private funding sources. We require specific examples of previous engagement with external audiences and demonstrated participation in social media or other communications.
The Animals in Research Committee (ARC) is seeking members with demonstrated knowledge and/or experience, with specific examples, of the following: use of animal models for research; animal research policies and regulatory issues in one's country; Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC), institutional animal inspections, and/or applications for AAALAC accreditation; and communicating about the importance of animal research to ARVO members and the general public. Clinicians, veterinarians and international members are strongly encouraged to apply.
The Awards Committee (AWD) is seeking members with the ability to provide a comprehensive, unbiased view of the field of research that is their expertise and to review applicants in this context. AWD members are experienced, senior members of ARVO. This position requires strict adherence to deadlines with most work taking place in February, March, and April, with a final face-to-face meeting onsite at the Annual Meeting. AWD service is a four-year term.
The Continuing Medical Education Committee (CME) is seeking members familiar with the educational needs of clinician-scientists with the ability to assess the evidence provided for any clinical recommendation included in the content of the Annual Meeting and Education Courses..
The CME committee meets twice annually (once in-person at the Annual Meeting and once via conference call in January, with additional calls as needed). The primary task of the committee is to review Annual Meeting and Education Course content to determine whether it meets the needs of clinician-scientists, is presented without commercial bias and based on sound experimental principles. This work is mandatory for all committee members and takes place in February - March each year.
The Commercial Relationships Committee (CRC) is seeking members with industry experience. International experience and perspectives are also desired.
The Diversity Initiatives Committee (DIC) is seeking members from all backgrounds interested in issues facing researchers and clinicians from under-represented minority groups, including but not limited to women and individuals with special needs.
The Ethics and Regulations in Human Research Committee (ERHR) is seeking members with demonstrated knowledge and/or experience of human subject research, with specific examples. Applicants should be familiar with policies and regulations regarding the use of humans in biomedical research (within the U.S. and/or outside the U.S.). Experience with institutional review boards, policy setting and implementation and/or teaching or mentoring others on the topic of human subjects policies and ethics is desired.
The Global Members Committee (GMC) is seeking members from a variety of countries to provide ideas and execute initiatives that increase international member participation in ARVO. A familiarity with the governance and membership structures typical of international professional societies is desirable, as is prior experience volunteering with any other professional societies. Demonstrated participation in online and offline networking is also a plus.
The Members-in-Training Committee (MIT) is seeking members with demonstrated knowledge of the issues and challenges facing members-in-training as they embark on research careers. You should have an interest in furthering trainees’ professional and career development, and describe to us your prior experience organizing programs, including identifying and inviting speakers, aimed at students/members-in-training. You should also provide examples of your participation in social media or other online communications.
The Professional Development and Education Committee (PDEC) is seeking members with knowledge and experience developing educational content for eye and vision scientists. Experience on the ARVO Annual Meeting Program Committee, or a similar role at another society, and/or experience with online educational is preferred.
The committee identifies topics for online learning including webinars, online courses/conferences and conducts call for proposals, reviews submissions, and selects final organizer(s) and speaker(s) to work with staff to develop and implement through ARVOLearn. The committee reviews and finalizes selection of member proposals for full and half-day Education Courses held in conjunction with the Annual Meeting and solicits organizers and/or speakers to address educational needs not met via the proposal process. Committee members serve as advisors to course organizers regarding course development policies and procedures and best practices in course design. The committee also reviews member proposals for small in-person meetings and conferences, moving forward to the Board of Trustees those recommended for additional consideration.
This work is mandatory for all committee members. Committee members are expected to attend the committee meeting during the Annual Meeting and be available for the education course proposal review that takes place annually in July - August
The Publications Committee (PUBS) is seeking members with knowledge and experience in scientific publishing, particularly as it relates to policy issues, and a solid track record of published papers in scientific journals — with preference given for ARVO journals. Prior experience on a scientific journal editorial board is strongly preferred.
The ARVO President-elect makes appointments in February/March.
Committee descriptions, activities and rosters
Advocacy and Outreach Committee - Chair: Stephanie Watson, MD, PhD, FARVO
Animals in Research Committee - Chair: Neena Haider, PhD
Annual Meeting Program Committee - Chair: Justine Smith, MBBS, PhD, FARVO
Awards Committee - Chair: Juana Gallar, MD, PhD
Commercial Relationships Committee - Chair: Margot Goodkin, MD, PhD
Continuing Medical Education Committee - Chair: Sarah Xin Zhang, MD
Diversity Initiatives Committee - Chair: Catherine Opere, PhD
Ethics and Regulations in Human Research Committee - Chair: Lyndell Lim, MBBS, DMed,Sci.
Finance Committee - Chair: Hans Grossniklaus, MD, MBA, FARVO
Global Members Committee - Chair: Ester Carenno, MD
International Chapter Affiliate Committee - Chair: Augusto Paranhos, Jr., MD
Members-in-Training Committee - Chair: Kara Cavuoto, MD
Professional Development and Education Committee - Chair: Bennie Jeng, MD
Publications Committee - Chair: John Nickerson, PhD, FARVO
Diversity Considerations for ARVO Committees (video)
Learn more about volunteer and engagement opportunities. If you have any questions, please contact committees@arvo.org.