About McPherson ERI Membership


Membership Application           •            Trainee Membership Application


Since its administrative organization in 2005, the McPherson ERI has been bringing together a community of scholars interested in vision. In addition to basic and clinical research into eye disorders and problems related to the visual system, this group also embraces the visual arts, recognizing that visual perception, both during the processing of normal cues as well as confounding optical and perceptual illusions, provides important clues about the organization and dysfunctions of the brain. Institute members are committed to the development of new knowledge, the advancement of new technologies, and the rapid application of innovative and collaborative approaches to significant healthcare, social, and scientific issues.

You are invited to apply for membership in the McPherson ERI.

Members of the Institute are legal faculty and academic and classified staff at the University of Wisconsin who actively engage in visual studies. An additional category of associate membership includes individuals with vision-related interests at other Wisconsin institutions, as well as UW-Madison faculty, staff, and members of the public who may not be vision researchers/scholars, but who have demonstrated an active interest in contributing to the activities of the Institute. A category of trainee membership is open to individuals who are currently graduate students or postdoctoral fellows/associates. Qualifications for membership will be evaluated by the Leadership Committee and a recommendation for membership provided to the Director for approval.

What are the benefits of membership?

  • Participation in a network of individuals with interests and expertise in vision science to facilitate collaborative projects.
  • Assistance in finding funding opportunities in vision studies, and eligibility for receiving funds through the McPherson ERI.
  • Linkage to a networking hub for identifying graduate students and post-docs interested in lab experience in vision science.
  • Support for recruiting and retention of faculty and staff interested in vision.
  • Participation in the development and execution of a strategic plan for increasing the profile of vision studies on this campus.
  • Assistance in disseminating your work through participation in McPherson ERI presentations, news releases, and website links.
  • Notification about eye- and vision-related campus speakers and seminars.
  • Opportunities to participate in vision science/visual studies training grants.
  • Access to shared resources and facilities that may be developed through the Institute.
  • Inclusion in McPherson ERI mailing list for newsletters and other McPherson ERI publications and updates.
  • Feeding your intellectual curiosity through discussions with colleagues.

What are the responsibilities of membership?

  • Participation in McPherson ERI committees and seminars.
  • Willingness to participate in presentations to donors to showcase vision science and visual arts on this campus.
  • Engagement in scientific and intellectual interchange with other McPherson ERI members in order to make the University of Wisconsin a center of preeminence for vision research.
  • Please carefully consider your other responsibilities and time commitments to assure that you are able to devote time to McPherson ERI participation.

What is the application process?

Submit either a faculty/staff application form or trainee application form, along with an NIH-style biosketch or abbreviated CV (maximum 3-4 pages) highlighting your vision research and/or teaching activities, or vision interests.

When are applications reviewed and how will I be notified?

Applications are reviewed at McPherson ERI Leadership Committee meetings, which are held on a monthly basis. Recommendations from the Committee are forwarded to the McPherson ERI Director for approval, and a letter indicating the outcome of your application will be sent to you.

How can I learn more about the McPherson ERI and membership?

Contact Dr. Jonathan Lang, Center Administrator of the McPherson ERI, for further information and with your questions.