Celebrating 50 Years of Bold Research
Help us ring in 50 years of bold research at our 50th Anniversary Celebration in Washington, D.C. This extraordinary gathering will spotlight exemplary scientists and advocates who are driving the most exciting research to end Alzheimer’s disease, macular degeneration, and glaucoma.
Honoring Excellence in Research Science and Advocacy

BrightFocus Scientific Impact Award
Gerard D. Schellenberg, PhD
University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine

Helen Keller Prize for Vision Research
Mae Gordon, PhD
Washington University in St. Louis

Helen Keller Prize for Vision Research
Michael Kass, MD
Washington University in St. Louis

BrightFocus Community Impact Award
Debra Tann, EdD
Reminiscent
Hear From This Year's Presenting Cocktail Scientists
Four BrightFocus grantees will share their unique approaches to finding cures for Alzheimer’s, macular degeneration, and glaucoma.

Ganesh Babulal, MSCI, OTD, PhD
Washington University School of Medicine

Oleg Butovsky, PhD
Harvard Medical School, Brigham and Women’s Hospital

Thomas V. Johnson III, MD, PhD
Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University

Daisy Shu, PhD
The Schepens Eye Research Institute
Special Musical Guest

Chris Janson
Multi-platinum Songwriter & Artist
Chris Janson, proud member of the Grand Ole Opry and multi-platinum songwriter and artist, is part of country’s new breed. His hits include the self-penned No. 1s “Fix A Drink,” “Good Vibes,” and the triple-platinum “Buy Me A Boat,” as well as the more thoughtful truths of “Done” and “Things You Can’t Live Without.” “Boat” was named to the Nashville Songwriters Association International’s prestigious “Songs I Wish I’d Written” list, which is why artists like Tim McGraw, Justin Moore, Cody Johnson, and the iconic Hank Williams Jr. reach for Janson’s songs for their own projects. Rolling Stone proclaimed him “a live legacy in the making,” and Janson is a frequent presence at the nation’s biggest festivals and tours.
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Get Inspired
For Barbara, who has both macular degeneration and glaucoma, supporting research for a cure is personal.
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We Gratefully Acknowledge Our
50th Anniversary Sponsors






Apellis Pharmaceuticals
Stacy Haller
Glaukos
Iveric Bio
J.P. Morgan Private Bank
Nancy Lynn & James Keach
PhRMA
Brian Regan, PhD
REGENXBIO
Sandy Spring Bank
Patricia Stewart, CFP®
Jan Stouffer, PhD
Belgium
Stichting Alzheimer Onderzoek
France
Fondation Vaincre Alzheimer
Germany
Alzheimer Forschung Initiative e.V.
The Netherlands
Alzheimer Nederland