Center Core Grant for Vision Research

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The NEI P30 Center Core Grant for Vision Research at the University of Houston (UH) provides ongoing and stable funding for four high quality and productive vision research resource/service Modules: Instrument Design, Research Computer Programming, Biostatistics Support, and Biological Imaging. These Modules are directed by established vision scientists, and run by an exceptionally talented staff with considerable long-term experience in supporting and advancing innovative vision research at UH. The Modules provide needed research resources and services, with prioritized and equitable access, to the present group of 22 Core vision scientists who come from three departments at the University (Biomedical Engineering, Vision Sciences and Clinical Sciences in Optometry). These Core vision scientists have diverse training and research interests; they collaborate effectively with one another, as well as with other vision researchers at this University or other institutions. Together, 11 of the Core investigators hold 16 active NEI R01 grants, with three other core investigators as Co-Is. Core investigators also have other NEI, NIH and nonfederal vision research funding. The College of Optometry and University provide substantial additional commitments in support of vision research. During the past five years of P30 funding at this university, the Core Grant and the University have created a favorable vision research environment, including new instrumentation and collaborative arrangements that have contributed directly to 170 out of 300 published papers by UH Optometry. Core modules have facilitated competition for six entirely new NEI R01 grants by four investigators. The Core Grant also was instrumental for recruiting eight investigators, established and new, to the UH Core group of vision scientists, three of whom brought NEI R01 funding, and two, other NEI support. These accomplishments reflect the Core's previous and current aims reinforced by the oversight of the Administrative Core, that focus on advancing collaborative and innovative vision research to increase knowledge and prevent or cure diseases that impair vision. Through these aims the Core grant provides stable funding, quality research services, new independent vision researchers, and new projects attracting NEI and other NIH support. Especially emphasized in the coming five years will be innovative research and recruitment of vision researchers to fill existing and future open positions.