Translational Research and Innovation in Ophthalmology Vision - Centre of Excellence

ongoing

Eye diseases affect the daily lives of 2.2 billion people globally and have a significant socio-economic impact. However, recent advances have rapidly progressed our understanding of the mechanisms of ophthalmic diseases, opening unprecedented opportunities in the field of eye therapeutics. The development of new technologies (robotics, AI) and health services (virtual clinics) offers new solutions to improve the quality of life of ophthalmology patients and to reduce the costs and burdens for national healthcare systems. In the TRIO-VI project we address these challenges, focusing on translating the latest advances in science and technical research into practice in vision care. Together with strategic partners from UCL and Sorbonne, we create a centre of excellence – the International Center for Eye Research (ICTER CoE) in Warsaw, a sub-unit of the Institute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences. Unlocking scientific and translational potential of ICTER CoE guarantees tremendous impact on society, science, education and health by accelerating introduction of therapies and new solutions in vision care. It will boost the rapidly growing biophotonics and biomedical engineering industry in Poland by introducing new devices in ophthalmology. As a result of TRIO-VI, we anticipate a considerable improvement in R&D&I capabilities in ICHF and ICTER, through enhanced education, training, and integrated skill development for all employee groups, with a focus on excellence, gender equality, and multidisciplinary collaboration. Thus, we aim to strengthen the R&I system in Poland, attract EU funding, increase visibility of Polish R&D institutions in EU and beyond, and substantially become a gamechanger for paradigm of ophthalmology in Central Europe. By boosting the changes ICTER CoE will become a lighthouse for the Polish Academy of Sciences, the largest research institute network in the country, and the scientific landscape in Poland and in the region.