UAB Core Grant for Vision Research

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UAB Center for Vision Research - Overall Core Project Summary/Abstract In 1979, an NEI Core grant was first awarded to UAB. Over the next 41 years, the institution's commitment to strategic growth resulted in significant expansion of vision research. Participants have increased from 13 in 2 departments to 25 in 3 departments, with a concominant increase in extramural funding. Twenty participants currently hold 24 eligble NEI R01 grants. One participant has submitted an R01 application and received an exceptional score. Three participants have NEI new investigator status. They are either on or just completed K- awards and will be submitting NEI R01 applications during this renewal period. Annually, NEI funds exceed $12.6 million, not including internal UAB awards. Extramural funding for vision-related research at UAB has grown to nearly $16.1 million annually. UAB vision scientists study visual neuroscience (anatomical, bio- chemical, physiological, or psychophysical studies of the retina, glaucoma, and central visual pathways), AMD, myopia, keratoconus, dry eye and cataractogenesis among others. Dr. Brian Samuels MD, PhD is the Director of the P30, now named the UAB Center Cores for Vision Research (CCVR), and the Administrative Core, and will have primary responsibility for all expenditures and proper functioning of the cores. He will coordinate with Dr. Steve Pittler, PhD, Director of the UAB institutionally supported Vision Science Research Center (VSRC) and co-director of the CCVR, to ensure the core resources and services align with participant needs. This application requests funds to provide continued support participants’ research activities through four professionally staffed cores. Each core, centrally located in Volker Hall, provides state-of-the-art facilities and expertise specifically for each purpose. The Machine Shop Core, directed by Paul Gamiln, PhD., designs and fabricates unique mechanical devices and repair/maintenance of current instruments. The Research Programming & Computational Analysis Core, directed by J. Crawford Downs, PhD, provides access to high-end analytical tools including advanced image and big-data analysis, computer programming, custom software/hardware development and interfacing, and database development/management. The Molecular & Cellular Analysis Core, directed by Steve Pittler, PhD., provides expertise for molecular and cellular study designs, training and access to major instrumentation for DNA, RNA and protein studies and morphologic analysis of tissues and cells. The Ocular Phenotyping Core, directed by Timothy Kraft, PhD, provides resources and services to assist with structural and functional analysis of small animal models of human ocular disease and study design and biostatistical analysis. Since 1979, vision research has received more than $19M in institutional support and more than $1M is committed over the next 5 years funding cycle. UAB has grown into a national leader in vision research by focusing on the use of advanced technology and the recruiting the best scientists to study and devise treatments for ocular disorders. The continuation of the P30 core grant for vision research is an essential element at the core of new discovery in vision science at UAB.