The Future of Research
Eye research is one of the most exciting fields to be in right now, attracting new talent across the UK. Thank you for helping to support PhD students like these at the beginning of their careers in research.
SIMON EASTHAM - University of Bristol
A ground-breaking study to help investigate the link between arthritis and eye inflammation. Simon will be working alongside lead researcher Gareth Jones to identify the emergence of inflammatory cells within the eyes and joints through cutting-edge imaging techniques.
BETH JEBSON -University College London
Investigating why some under-16-year-olds who experience juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), which causes joint swelling, also develop uveitis, an inflammatory disorder of the eye.
Beth hopes understanding the link between JIA and uveitis could lead to a treatment to target both conditions.
RICHARD CHILDS HUNT - London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
Investigating the genetics behind a rare eye infection called Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK), which can affect contact lens wearers and potentially cause sight loss.
Richard will investigate the different types of the Acanthamoeba organism that causes the condition to understand how it reacts to treatment, paving the way for improvements in patient diagnosis and care.
ANASTASIOS PAPADAM - University of Aberdeen
Aiming to identify which chromosomes may be responsible for causing age-related macular degeneration, the leading cause of severe sight loss in the UK. Using the largest AMD study in existence, Anastasios will compare the immune cells of people with macular degeneration with those without to establish if there is a pattern, aiming to ultimately find a new treatment.
OWEN FERNANDO - UCL Institute of Ophthalmology
A first-of-its kind study investigating a genetic fault that leads to severe sight loss and progressive blindness.
Owen is using the latest mRNA splicing technology and methods to learn how exactly these genetic faults cause sight loss and correct them, offering patients with severe retinal diseases hope of future treatments.