UCL Institute of Ophthalmology involved in launch of new Centre of Excellence (CoE) for eye health

A strategic partnership between UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, the International Centre for Translational Eye Research (ICTER) at the Institute of Physical Chemistry, Polish Academy of Science, and the Institut de la Vision at Université Sorbonne will result in a major upgrade of the ICTER Centre. This collaboration will transform the existing entity into the Translational Research and Innovation in Ophthalmology Vision Centre of Excellence based in Warsaw, Poland. 

Centres of Excellence (CoE) are specialised research units based in universities or research institutions focused on a clearly defined set of research and/or education objectives.  

The ICTER CoE is set to be successfully implemented, thanks to significant funding of €15 million awarded by the EU Horizon Europe Teaming for Excellence program. This amount is matched by an additional €15 million in complementary funding from Poland, bringing the total investment to €30 million.

Its long-term goal is to enhance the quality of life of patients with eye disorders, by generating new knowledge and developing new cutting-edge technologies in ophthalmology. To achieve this ambitious goal, we will form an international consortium of experts in vision science, biology, ophthalmology, medical physics and biomedical engineering. 

Among the individuals at our institute contributing to the success of this project are: Professor Marcus Fruttiger, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology Deputy Director Professor Alison Hardcastle, Professor Marinko Sarunic, Professor Paul Foster, Professor Pearse Keane, Joint Director of Education, Professor Michele Russell, Professor Jacqui van der Spuy, Deputy Director of Innovation and Enterprise Fiona Reid and , UCL Institute of Ophthalmology Director, Professor Andrew Dick.

UCL Institute of Ophthalmology Director, Professor Andrew D Dick said:

“This marks a significant milestone in our commitment to enhancing vision research, education, and enterprise initiatives globally, while also reinforcing our strategic partnership with the International Centre for Translational Eye Research (ICTER). I am delighted to see our collaboration with colleagues in Poland and France take shape in the establishment of a new centre focused on better understanding eye disease, and developing alternative treatments, including gene therapies.

Links

• International Centre for Translational Eye Research (ICTER)
• Institut de la vision