CORE GRANT FOR VISION RESEARCH

Overall Project Summary The overall mission of the proposed Vision Core is to continue to enhance vision research at Harvard by providing vision scientists with resources and facilities that could not be supported by individual laboratories. Specifically, the structure and operation of the Vision Core have been designed around three key objectives: (1) the design, optimization, and manufacture of custom equipment and reagents for investigators; (2) the dissemination and teaching of new methods and approaches for vision studies through a community of systems and cellular neuroscientists, engineers, machinists, and biologists; and (3) the seeding of new collaborations through the transfer of ideas and experimental strategies among investigators. In this capacity, the Vision Core grant currently supports 17 vision research labs at Harvard with 21 qualifying NEI awards. In support of these goals the proposed Vision Core includes three modules, and has undergone a major restructuring since the last funding period in response to the needs of vision researchers at Harvard. A newly merged Neuroengineering and Fabrication module will provide hardware and software solutions to the vision research community. A Viral Module supports critical anatomical and functional experiments using viral constructs and will enhance the range of vision research supported by the Core. Lastly, a newly proposed Computational Module will provide expertise and dedicated computing power to develop and train new algorithms to test theories of vision science. Each module is under the direction of an accomplished and capable faculty member that studies vision, and experienced staff that run the module on a day-to-day basis, overseen by the Administrative Core. Harvard Medical School has provided significant institutional support for these modules in the form of space, renovation costs, internal grant support for equipment and operational costs, and financial administrative support; however, continued external support of the Harvard Vision Core is essential for maintaining a high level of productivity in the vision community at Harvard, fostering and supporting collaborative efforts, and attracting new scientists to vision research.