by Satina Richardson
Vision Science Research Center (VSRC) funding has been renewed through Sept. 30, 2026. The Center grant sustains key programs, including pilot grants, equipment upgrades, and graduate training. The VSRC also supports the National Eye Institute (NEI P30) Center Grant for Vision Research that has been continuously funded at UAB since 1979.
Although VSRC members represent a small number of UAB faculty investigators, about 80 faculty members, its contributions account for roughly 10 percent of the university’s annual extramural research portfolio.
“Many vision researchers are dependent on the core resources available through the VSRC P30 grant and other VSRC resources to perform their research and successfully compete for research grants,” said Steve Pittler, PhD, VSRC director. “Additionally, the annual VSRC pilot grant programs provide seed support for vision researchers to develop their research programs and generate ideas for larger grant support. The program has been hugely successful, providing a greater than 5,000% return on investment over the last 10 years.”
When submitting a P30 core grant, there are two possible tiers that can be applied for. The first tier is eligible to a university that has at least eight, and up to 19 active National Institutes of Health(NIH)/NEI R01 grants. The second tier is eligible to a university that has 20 or more NIH/NEI R01s at the deadline for submission.
Because the tier two requirements have been met, an application for tier two super status was submitted. This significant milestone allows for requesting an additional $100,000 per year in direct costs, increasing the annual funding to $500,000.
Paul Gamlin, PhD, principal investigator of the P30 Core grant from the NIH, works closely with Pittler and the VSRC executive committee to serve the vision science community at UAB.
“These additional funds will enhance our ability to maintain a rich engaging vision research environment that promotes camaraderie, and collaboration that leads to successful research endeavors,” Pittler said.
From its beginnings in 1979 to today, the VSRC remains committed to advancing vision science and improved patient outcomes through basic and translational research, education, and outreach. With renewed funding, the center is poised to shape the future of eye health for decades to come.