Core Grants (NEI)

The primary objective of Core Grants for Vision Research is to provide groups of investigators who have achieved independent National Eye Institute (NEI) funding with additional, shared support to enhance their own and their institution’s capability for conducting vision research.

Secondary objectives of this program include facilitating collaborative studies and attracting other scientists to research on the visual system.

Core Grants are subdivided generally into discrete units or modules, with each devoted to a specific activity that would be impractical or less-efficient to support on an individual research project grant. The primary purpose of each module is to support a service or resource that enhances or facilitates the research efforts of a group of investigators, each having independent NEI funding. Some sharing of Core Grant resources and services with other NIH-funded collaborators and with investigators new to vision research is encouraged.

There are several modules currently supported by the CORE Grant: Gene Delivery, Microscopic Imaging, and Software Development. These modules can be shared by various groups. The modules cooperate with one another, and they are also designed to introduce Vision Science researchers to some of the unique resources that are available on the UC Berkeley campus, including facilities in nanotechnology, fMRI, and other optical imaging resources. The contact information for each module is given below, along with links to more information about the purpose of each module.

Gene Delivery Module

The main goal of this Module is to provide DNA constructs and viral vectors for expressing genes in tissues of the visual system, enabling precise molecular manipulation of proteins involved in visual function. The Gene Delivery Module is the only campus facility that provides viral vectors for introducing genes in vivo.

Gene Delivery

Microscopic Imaging Module

The Microscopic Imaging Module provides expert technical support for the design, assembly, modification, and use of light microscopic systems for vision research, as well as assistance in quantitative image analysis and automated image analysis.

Microscopic Imaging

Software Module

The Software Module provides custom programming support for physiological, psychophysical and image analysis applications that are important for understanding visual system function. The Software Development Module is unique in providing new software to solve stimulation, acquisition, and analysis problems that have existed for years, but cannot be solved with commercially available software.

Software Module