Training program in Vision Science

University Of California Berkeley, Berkeley CA

Investigators

Linked publications, trials & patents

Abstract

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Thirty-four Vision Science preceptors, members of the Group in Vision Science from 11 different departments on the U.C. Berkeley campus (optometry, psychology, public health, molecular and cell biology, neurobiology, neuroscience, infectious disease and immunology, bioengineering, computer science, electrical engineering, and chemical engineering), seek support for 12 pre- and 4 post-doctoral trainees. Support is sought for 3 years of graduate training toward the PhD for the pre-doctoral trainees and the 3 health-profession degree seeking trainees (OD, MD etc.) and one year for the post-PhD trainee. The interdisciplinary program in Vision Science has been in existence for over 65 years: There are currently 30 pre-doctoral students engaged in studies leading to the Ph.D. in Vision Science as well as 4 post OD/MD students working toward a PhD. There are an additional 55 postdoctoral fellows currently training in the laboratories of the faculty of the Group in Vision Science. Of the more than 204 trainees who have received research degree training in Vision Science (almost all PhD) to 2012, the majority are now active vision researchers. Many have successfully competed for independent research funding. Our purpose is to attract outstanding trainees who will develop independent and productive vision research careers. Pre-doctoral and health profession degree trainees, most with additional formal basic science training (e.g., cell biology, immunology, neurobiology, or epidemiology/biostatistics), will earn Ph.D. (Vision Science) degrees. Each pre-doctoral and health profession degree trainee will receive stipend support during the first three years from the NIH Training Grant supplemented by Departmental and University fellowships. During the final two years support will be provided entirely from resources of the University of California (primarily through individual faculty research grants). Trainees will meet formal course and teaching requirements, and will be trained in laboratory research techniques in both basic sciences and vision science. The training is augmented by the extensive resources of the Berkeley campus and the technical support provided to the Group in Vision Science in an NEI Core Grant.