VRC services are generally available to Penn NEI grant holders. Some limited funds are available to support pilot research expected to lead to an NEI grant proposal/renewal or other vision research. 

A summary of the modules follows. Services for all modules are available to all VRC investigators, with priority given to participating investigators who currently hold NEI grants that qualify for P30 support. To learn more about our core services, or to schedule use, please visit the relevant page.

Please remember to acknowledge the support of the core grant (P30 EY001583) in any publications that describe work that received support from it.

 

Biostatistics

This module provides consultation in design and analysis of clinical and laboratory research.

 

Imaging and Electrophysiology

This module supports and/or subsidizes access to a number of imaging and electrophysiology instruments, as well as provides technical support for the use of these instruments.

 

Instrumentation

This module offers the design and fabrication of special purpose, novel instrumentation. Services are provided by the DRL Machine Shop and the Penn Electronic Design Shop (Penn EDS).

 

Reproducible Analysis of Imaging Data (RAID)

This module provides support for data analysis related to vision experiments.

 

Molecular Biology

The VRC has discontinued most of its molecular biology services, as these are now available through broader campus cores at reasonable rates. We do, however, maintain two sequencing machines, an ABI 7500 and an ABI 7900. These are available for use by vision researchers on a self-service basis, and with supplies paid for by the investigator. For information on using the ABI 7500, please contact Joshua Dunaief (jdunaief@pennmedicine.upenn.edu). For information on using the ABI 7900, please contact Dwight Stambolian (stamboli@pennmedicine.upenn.edu).