# Interdisciplinary Training in Vision Science

> **NIH NIH T32** · WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY · 2024 · $160,750

## Abstract

SUMMARY
Over the past 20 years, the scope of Vision Science has expanded enormously and in multiple directions. New
methods from different scientific disciplines were pioneered in the visual system (e.g., single-cell RNA
sequencing to characterize neuronal diversity, large-scale electrophysiological recordings to characterize visual
processing, screens of adeno-associated virus serotypes and promoters to deliver genes to specific cell types).
These advances have transformed our understanding of the biology of the visual system and the pathogenesis
of its diseases. Despite these advances, many blinding diseases remain without effective treatments. In the face
of this remarkable expansion, graduate education faces three challenges. First, although the body of knowledge
relevant to Vision Science has increased in breadth and depth, students also face increased pressure to conduct
research, publish, and get independent funding early in their careers. Second, Vision Science is conducted in
multiple Departments and Ph.D. programs. Yet, students coming from different disciplines often do not speak
each other’s language. Third, a successful career in science requires a broad portfolio of professional skills –
writing papers and grant proposals, collaborating with colleagues with different scientific backgrounds,
presenting results in scientific venues and to wider audiences, navigating the academic job market – that exceed
the normal coursework. We overhauled the Interdisciplinary Training in Vision Science (ITVS) program in
response to these challenges. The new ITVS is an elite program available for graduate students in Training
Years 3-4, with eligibility from multiple Ph.D. programs relevant to Vision Science broadly defined. The emphasis
of the ITVS program is on interdisciplinary training and professional skills development. To access the program,
students must complete (in Training Years 1-2) pre-requisite foundational courses of their parent Ph.D.
programs. In Training Years 3-4, ITVS students take three additional courses: one providing foundational
knowledge about the biology of the visual system and its diseases, one combining theory and practice of the
advanced methods that drove recent breakthroughs in Vision Science, and one that introduces challenges and
opportunities to translating research findings into benefits to patients and connects students to clinicians treating
disease relevant to the student’s research. In addition, ITVS students participate in Project Building, where they
develop an interdisciplinary grant proposal – that could become an NRSA application – shaped by peer,
instructor, and committee feedback. Throughout the ITVS program, students participate in multiple Career
Development activities, including mentoring junior students, organizing scientific events, interacting with external
speakers, participating in informal dinners with ITVS faculty, and participating in community outreach. The ITVS
program has existed for > 20 ...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10793531
- **Project number:** 5T32EY013360-23
- **Recipient organization:** WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** SHIMING CHEN
- **Activity code:** T32 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $160,750
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2000-09-30 → 2027-03-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10793531

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10793531, Interdisciplinary Training in Vision Science (5T32EY013360-23). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-27 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10793531. Licensed CC0.

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