Students are required to submit project applications including a statement of purpose and research design, financial needs, and faculty letters of approval. Applications are examined for soundness, feasibility, and potential contribution to visual communication. Beginning in 1994, the outstanding research grant each year is named in honor of Alan W. Cole. The constant changes in communication technology and the rapid expansion of knowledge in the health sciences require professional visual communicators to continually improve their educational experiences. The Trust believes educational support should exist independent of the formal, academic setting.
Support is provided by underwriting workshops, seminars and lectures in visual communications.
The primary venue for these educational activities are the annual meetings of the Association of Medical Illustrators. In addition, through dedicated fund sources such as the Ernest W. Beck Fund, the Trust also provides underwriting for specific topics. The Ernest W. Beck Fund Funds from the Ernest W. Beck Fund, established in 1993, are used to underwrite an annual lecture or seminar in ethics or a related topic in the profession of medical illustration. The Fund has been used to support regional and national educational activities on ocular and facial prosthetics and related topics. The Russell Drake Education Fund supports regional and national activities in medical illustration techniques and related topics.