Administrative Core

UAB Center Core for Vision Research - Administrative Core Project/Summary Abstract The UAB NEI P30 Administrative Core performs an essential function in overseeing the overall activity of the scientific Cores, and making sure that funds are appropriately utilized to support the highest quality science in a diverse range of vision disciplines. Another major role of this Core, in conjunction with the efforts of the UAB University Wide Interdiciplinary Research Center’s (UWIRC) Vision Science Research Center (VSRC), is to promote and actively foster new collaboration, and to provide support and guidance to new and less established investigators to develop and strengthen their research programs. Both the Core Director/PI, Dr. Samuels and Co-Director/Co-PI, Dr. Pittler are NEI R01 supported and maintain active and productive labs. Their combined expertise in diverse areas of vision research, and strong working relationship, makes them an excellent team to lead the P30 grant. They will receive at least bi-annual input from an advisory committee comprised of internal and external experts with a history of NEI P30 and/or NEI R01 funding. They will seek additional input from UAB P30 participants and others in a monthly open forum of all UAB vision scientists that precedes Vision Research at UAB Seminars. Additionally, the quality of Core- provided resources and services is measured by focused surveys, town-hall style meetings, and through interaction with faculty at faculty meetings and retreats. Continued support for one staff personnel with more than a decade of administrative experience is requested to facilitate day-to-day operations such as ordering supplies, maintaining compliance and budgets, coordinating repairs if needed and assisting with document preparation and record keeping. Due to strong institutional support, grant management/secretarial/business officer support costs represent less than 5% of the total budget each year. The Administrative Core has an essential role in maintaining and coordinating P30 activities and keeping the Cores running smoothly and effectively.