Vision Training Grant

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ABSTRACT This is an application for continued funding for the Vision Training Grant (VTG) at the University of Washington which includes 26 preceptors in seven Departments and six Interdepartmental Programs. Our goal is to train the next generation of independent vision scientists to communicate and access techniques broadly across vision sub-fields, and to appreciate the links between fundamental and clinical research with the aim of developing treatments for diseases of the visual system. Funds are requested to provide training for four pre- and two postdoctoral trainees in the effective communication of scientific principles to a broad audience, in grant-writing as a pathway to independence, and to provide exposure to a broad range of topics and techniques in vision research ranging from individual proteins and molecules to systems-level neuroscience and cognition. Trainees will participate in monthly discussion sessions where a wide variety of topics including rigor and reproducibility in research, effective data presentation, grant-writing, ethics and alternative career options will be discussed. Trainees will present their work twice each year, attend VTG seminars and participate in VTG lunches with visiting speakers, prepare an independent grant for submission and participate in training for responsible conduct, and rigor and reproducibility in research. Postdoctoral trainees are also required to participate in “Hit the Ground Running”, a mentoring program for postdocs. Trainees will also receive mentorship related to the successful completion of research projects and options for alternative careers. Predoctoral trainees will be supported for two years and postdoctoral trainees for one year. The VTG is currently the only source of support for pre- and post-doctoral trainees who want to commit to biomedical research in Vision and Ophthalmology. As metrics of trainee outcome, we note that over the past two 5-year epochs, 36 of 38 trainees have remained in research careers and 16 have won independent grants following their VTG period. This includes 14 from the NIH (NRSA/K99). In summary, the VTG community at UW has a demonstrated record of success in training; we have 26 preceptors with secure funding and strong mentoring skills pursuing a wide range of research problems in Vision. We have large predoc and postdoc populations that can benefit from the additional, dedicated vision training supported by the T32. For the upcoming cycle, we request an increase in the number of predoc slots from 2 to 4, and a continuation of 2 postdoc slots.