Administrative Core 7. Project/Summary Abstract The Administrative Core of the UAB Vision Science Research Center P30 grant performs an essential function in overseeing the overall activity of the scientific Cores, and making sure that funds are appropriately utilized to support the highest quality science in a diverse range of vision disciplines. Another major role of this Core in conjunction with the efforts of the Vision Science Research Center is to promote and actively foster new collaboration, and to provide support and guidance to new and less established investigators to develop and strengthen their research programs. Both the Core Director/PI, Dr. Pittler and Co-Director/Co-PI, Dr. Gamlin are NEI R01 supported and maintain active and productive labs. Their combined expertise in diverse areas of vision research, and now 16 year established strong working relationship, makes them an excellent team to lead the P30 grant. They will receive at least bi-annual input from an advisory committee comprised of both UAB internal and external NEI R01 grant holders and additional input from UAB P30 participants and others in a monthly open forum of all UAB vision scientists that precedes Vision Research at UAB seminars. Additionally, the quality of Core provided resources and services is measured by annual surveys and through interaction with faculty at faculty meetings and retreats. Support to continue two staff personnel with several years of administrative experience is requested to facilitate day-to-day operations such as ordering supplies, maintaining compliance and budgets, coordinating repairs if needed and assisting with document preparation and record keeping. Due to strong institutional support, secretarial/business officer support costs represent only 9 % of the total budget each year. The Administrative Core has an essential role in maintaining and coordinating P30 activities and keeping the Cores running smoothly and effectively.