Community, Events & Conferences for Scientists

By hosting events and scientific workshops throughout the year, BrightFocus brings scientists together and creates space for mentorship and collaboration that empowers scientific progress. Our signature Fast Track workshops convene early-career scientists from around the world to learn about the latest research, receive mentorship from expert scientists, and learn practical skills like how to write a grant.

Join scientists from across the globe to gather, learn from one another, and work toward finding cures for diseases of mind and sight.

Attendees of a BrightFocus Foundation event pose for a photo together.

Alzheimer’s Fast Track 2026

November 11-13, 2026
Washington, D.C.

Official pre-meeting for Society for Neuroscience’s annual meeting.

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AMD Fast Track

A daylong immersive workshop for age-related macular degeneration researchers.

The next AMD Fast Track will be held in 2027.

Glaucoma Fast Track

A daylong immersive workshop for glaucoma researchers.

The next Glaucoma Fast Track will be held in 2027.

Helicopter shot of the the National Mall in Washington, D.C. on a sunny day in Fall, looking over the Lincoln Memorial and past the Washington Monument Towards Capitol Hill.
AMD Fast Track word mark
Glaucoma Fast Track

Testimonials

I cannot believe how much this BrightFocus Fast Track has shaped my knowledge, my career and me personally. I also made friends forever. Not only I am so much more prepared and more confident to write grants but also I gained skills to communicate and to share my science. This workshop is the greatest idea to help students build their careers more successfully. Every scientist should go through a workshop like this one. Thank you for the opportunity!

Amira Latif-Hernandez, PhD, Alzheimer’s Disease Research Grant Recipient and Fast Track Attendee

a headshot of Dr. Latif-Hernandez
The BrightFocus team shows genuine care for their fellows and their individual career paths, which was evident during the Fast Track event. The opportunity to easily connect with mentors and receive personalized advice truly stood out.

Julie Ottoy, PhD, Alzheimer’s Disease Research Grant Recipient and Fast Track Attendee

a headshot of Dr. Ottoy
A group of scientists smiling.

BrightFocus Research Community

BrightFocus-funded researchers are at the forefront of scientific discovery, pursuing innovative treatments, cures, and preventative measures addressing Alzheimer’s disease, macular degeneration, and glaucoma.

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