Interdisciplinary Training in Vision Science

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SUMMARY Over the past 20 years, the scope of Vision Science has expanded enormously and in multiple directions. New methods from different scientific disciplines were pioneered in the visual system (e.g., single-cell RNA sequencing to characterize neuronal diversity, large-scale electrophysiological recordings to characterize visual processing, screens of adeno-associated virus serotypes and promoters to deliver genes to specific cell types). These advances have transformed our understanding of the biology of the visual system and the pathogenesis of its diseases. Despite these advances, many blinding diseases remain without effective treatments. In the face of this remarkable expansion, graduate education faces three challenges. First, although the body of knowledge relevant to Vision Science has increased in breadth and depth, students also face increased pressure to conduct research, publish, and get independent funding early in their careers. Second, Vision Science is conducted in multiple Departments and Ph.D. programs. Yet, students coming from different disciplines often do not speak each other’s language. Third, a successful career in science requires a broad portfolio of professional skills – writing papers and grant proposals, collaborating with colleagues with different scientific backgrounds, presenting results in scientific venues and to wider audiences, navigating the academic job market – that exceed the normal coursework. We overhauled the Interdisciplinary Training in Vision Science (ITVS) program in response to these challenges. The new ITVS is an elite program available for graduate students in Training Years 3-4, with eligibility from multiple Ph.D. programs relevant to Vision Science broadly defined. The emphasis of the ITVS program is on interdisciplinary training and professional skills development. To access the program, students must complete (in Training Years 1-2) pre-requisite foundational courses of their parent Ph.D. programs. In Training Years 3-4, ITVS students take three additional courses: one providing foundational knowledge about the biology of the visual system and its diseases, one combining theory and practice of the advanced methods that drove recent breakthroughs in Vision Science, and one that introduces challenges and opportunities to translating research findings into benefits to patients and connects students to clinicians treating disease relevant to the student’s research. In addition, ITVS students participate in Project Building, where they develop an interdisciplinary grant proposal – that could become an NRSA application – shaped by peer, instructor, and committee feedback. Throughout the ITVS program, students participate in multiple Career Development activities, including mentoring junior students, organizing scientific events, interacting with external speakers, participating in informal dinners with ITVS faculty, and participating in community outreach. The ITVS program has existed for > 20 years and has a demonstrated history of remarkable success. We believe that the recent program overhaul will enhance this success. Here, we request funds for 6 fellowships (3 per Training Year).