# Research Programming & Computational Analysis

> **NIH NIH P30** · UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM · 2020 · $175,567

## Abstract

Research Programming & Computational Analysis Core
7. Project Summary/Abstract
The Research Programming & Computational Analysis (RPCA) Core was redesigned in 2013 as a result of
strategic task realignment within the existing P30 Core Grant to better align tasks previously performed in the
Computer Core with current and emerging research needs. This re-alignment was brought about because of
the increasing complexity of digital data, particularly laboratory-generated images in vision research, and the
need to develop custom analysis routines to process, summarize and quantify those data. Custom image
analysis and processing routines in particular are an increasingly critical component of vision research,
particularly with the emergence of several new clinical and research imaging modalities such as conventional
and adaptive optics optical coherence tomography imaging and volumetric microscopy techniques. In addition,
a vast array of research data is now digital, necessitating the development of custom data management,
filtering, and quantification schemes through research programming. The second longstanding primary function
of the RPCA Core is to develop custom software interfaces for control of and data acquisition from new and
existing research equipment. Much of this equipment is developed in house through collaborations with the
Instrumentation Core, and custom software interfaces are a mainstay of instrument development,
implementation, and data acquisition. Custom programming for data analysis and instrument interfaces is out
of the reach of most investigators due to the high cost of competent programmers and the relatively limited
need within individual projects. The third goal of this Core is to provide a full array of biostatistical services to
P30 participants. The goal of this realigned Core is to offer researchers a comprehensive programming and
computational data analysis service where custom analysis routines and stand-alone programs can be
developed for individual project needs by highly trained personnel. This realigned Core anticipates moderate to
extensive use from 9 of the 11 NEI R01-funded investigator/participants.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9987611
- **Project number:** 5P30EY003039-40
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM
- **Principal Investigator:** J CRAWFORD DOWNS
- **Activity code:** P30 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $175,567
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** — → —

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9987611

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9987611, Research Programming & Computational Analysis (5P30EY003039-40). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9987611. Licensed CC0.

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