Interdisciplinary Visual Sciences (IVS) Training Program

The training and retention of the next generation of vision scientists was a major goal in the 2021 NEI strategic plan. In line with this mission, this T32 renewal application requests support to increase our Interdisciplinary Vision Sciences (IVS) training program to four predoctoral and two post-doctoral positions annually for years 16-20. Predoctoral trainees drawn from seven interdisciplinary graduate programs will be supported for one year, extendable to two by fair competition annually. Postdoctoral trainees are drawn from our preceptors’ laboratories. Our training plan includes multidisciplinary aspects of the visual system, ranging from study of single molecules to the mechanisms underlying ophthalmic diseases and cognitive processing of the visual input. All trainees take an intensive 3 credit semester long course “Biology of Vision” that is team-taught by faculty and IVS preceptors and includes basis of grantsmanship and grant writing skills as a pathway to independence. Training is supplemented with monthly meetings that encompass subjects ranging from science communication, aspects of professional development, issues regarding rigor, reproducibility and the responsible conduct of research, and the development of mentoring relationships. The plan further details the exposure of trainees to a broader appreciation of basic vision research through seminar series of invited speakers, faculty, and the trainees themselves. Every trainee is required to present their scientific work at least yearly. Clinical exposure is also mediated by requiring attendance to weekly UPMC Vision Institute Grand Rounds, and the annual ”Vision Research Day” where all in Ophthalmology meet for a day of clinical and Basic research discussions. The plan involves 18 preceptors with secured funding from three schools in two universities that have a diverse range of vision science research programs. Preceptors receive training themselves in the mentor-mentee relationship. Our program is the only vision training program in Pittsburgh to offer a broad appreciation of vision science and the interdisciplinary aspects of vision research. The past 10 years saw most IVS trainees succeed and remain in research-intensive or -related careers in academia and industry. Several have subsequently secured independent grant funding. We feel that this justifies the continuing T32 support from the NEI so that we can add to the next generation of vision scientists and researchers.