The Nystagmus Network is pleased to launch the Richard Wilson Essay Prize 2025, an annual competition to encourage more nystagmus research.
In memory of Richard
Richard Wilson OBE served as Chair of Trustees of the Nystagmus Network from 2010 to 2019. During that time he introduced the very first Nystagmus Awareness Day, which he called ‘Wobbly Wednesday’, saw the charity’s investment in nystagmus research top £1,000 per week, established an annual UK nystagmus research workshop, hosted the charity’s first ever clinical training event, hosted 9 Open Days and brought warmth, smiles, song and a little bit of razzmatazz to everything we do.
Richard received his OBE from Her Majesty the Queen in the New Year’s Honours of 2018. He sadly passed away in 2023 and is fondly remembered by us all. It was decided to set up an essay writing competition in his memory to encourage further research and exploration into nystagmus.
Who can take part?
The competition is open to students of all levels, from undergraduate to post-doctorate, in the fields of Ophthalmology, Optometry, Orthoptics or a visual related science, currently studying or working at UK institutions.
Prizes
First prize: £500 and the opportunity to speak at the Nystagmus Network International Nystagmus Symposium 2025. Your cheque will be presented at a Nystagmus Network event.
Second Prize: £200 and the opportunity to present at the Nystagmus Network International Nystagmus Symposium 2025.
Third Prize: £100
Judges
The 2025 panel includes Katherine Ward BSc, MSc, Research student, School of Optometry and Vision Sciences, Cardiff University and Dominic Burdon BMedSci, Advanced Orthoptist, Plymouth Ocular Moro Unit, University Hospitals, Plymouth
They will be supported in their decision making by Nystagmus Network trustees.
Judging criteria
For entries to be considered they must:
- demonstrate a significant level of understanding of the current state of nystagmus research in the UK
- pinpoint any key barriers to research beyond funding constraints
- identify potential ways to overcome these to expand clinical knowledge of nystagmus
Essay Question for 2025
“What are the current challenges in conducting research into nystagmus and how could these be overcome?”
Format
Essays to be a maximum of 3000 words in length (excluding any diagrams, graphs, references, bibliography). The essay must include the full name and contact details of the entrant, the name of their institution and the course they are currently following and their highest academic qualification to date.
Timeline
Applications open in December 2024. The deadline for submission is 30th June 2025.
Submission
Completed essays should be emailed to [email protected] clearly marked ‘Richard Wilson Essay Prize’ in the subject line.
All enquiries to the Nystagmus Network
email: [email protected]
Tel: 01427 718093