The AVA is a UK-based charity that aims to advance, promote, develop and improve the study and knowledge of vision sciences. It does this primarily through organizing regular scientific meetings (usually 2-3 per year) and making various financial awards (including travel bursaries) to early-career vision scientists. Every two years it also awards the Marr Medal to an outstanding early-career scientist within 10 years of completing their PhD who has a proven track record of high-quality independent research.

The executive committee of the AVA is responsible for running the society and organizing these activities. It consists of ten voting members (plus co-opted members as appropriate) and meets three times a year (plus the AGM around Easter).

It is constantly on the lookout for 'new blood'. We are keen to see a broad range of committee members to represent the interests of AVA members across diverse areas of vision science.

Three committee members are at the end of their term of office: the Chair Prof Zanker and elected members Prof Marina Bloj and Prof Innes Cuthill. Prof Bloj and Prof Cuthill will be seeking re-election. To ensure continuity, it is normally expected that nominees  for one of the four honorary positions (Chair, Vice-chair, Treasurer, Secretary) would hold a position on the committee for at least one year before being nominated. Committee member Dr Isabelle Mareschal will be seeking election as Chair.

Thus, we are looking for at least one new member for the Committee.

Note that the AVA reimburses reasonable costs for travel (within the UK) to committee meetings, which are held in Nottingham.

Elected positions are for three years and the on-line election will be sent out towards the end of February 2018, with results taking effect after the AGM, held at the AVA Spring Meeting (26 March 2018).

Candidates should submit to the AVA Elections Officer ([log in to unmask]) a 100-word statement about themselves and what they would like to do for the AVA. These statements will be used to provide information for voters in the election.

The deadline for receiving nominations is Friday 16th February 2018 (midnight GMT).

Dr Jasna Martinovic

AVA Secretary