# CORE GRANT FOR VISION RESEARCH

> **NIH NIH P30** · HARVARD MEDICAL SCHOOL · 2020 · $817,241

## Abstract

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 more than 23 vision research labs at Harvard with 25 qualifying NEI awards.
In support of these goals the proposed Vision Core includes four modules that have been serving the vision
research community during the current funding period. A Neural Imaging Module provides resources to facilitate
experiments using a wide range of state-of-the-art imaging techniques, including functional imaging, histology,
and quantitative microscopy. A Machine Shop Module provides services for designing and manufacturing
special equipment that cannot be obtained commercially or would be prohibitively expensive for individual
laboratories. A Neuroengineering Module assists in the design and implementation of customized hardware and
software to interface laboratory equipment with computers for experiments. Finally, a Viral Module supports
experiments using viral constructs and will enhance the range of vision research supported by the Core. 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. 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.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9968235
- **Project number:** 5P30EY012196-23
- **Recipient organization:** HARVARD MEDICAL SCHOOL
- **Principal Investigator:** MARGARET S LIVINGSTONE
- **Activity code:** P30 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $817,241
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 1998-03-01 → 2023-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9968235

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9968235, CORE GRANT FOR VISION RESEARCH (5P30EY012196-23). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9968235. Licensed CC0.

---

*[NIH grants dataset](/datasets/nih-grants) · CC0 1.0*