Understanding how different brain areas control eye movements
Official title: The cortical and subcortical control of coordinated eye movements
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11045597 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how two important parts of the brain work together to control eye movements, which can help us understand how we see and move our eyes better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $78,892 |
| NIH project number | 5F32EY035134-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11045597 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with cognitive disorders or motor impairments that affect eye movement.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without any cognitive or motor disorders affecting eye movements may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the interactions between two key brain regions, the frontal eye fields (FEF) and the superior colliculus (SC), that coordinate eye movements. By recording the activity of these areas during different types of eye movements, such as quick saccades and smooth pursuits, the study aims to clarify how they communicate and work together. This could help in understanding the underlying mechanisms of eye movement control, which is crucial for various cognitive and motor functions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for conditions affecting eye movement and coordination.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in understanding brain interactions in other motor control studies, suggesting potential for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Willett, Shawn — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Willett, Shawn
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.