Scientists at Moorfields Eye Hospital and UCL Institute of Ophthalmology have been awarded resources for a five-year period from December 2022.
The Biomedical Research Centre (BRC), based at Moorfields, has developed new treatments and techniques that are in use worldwide. The centre, a partnership between Moorfields and UCL, is ranked number one in the world for ophthalmology research. In the latest funding round, the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) gave nearly £800 million to 20 BRCs across England to translate scientific discoveries into treatments, diagnostic tests and medical technologies to improve patients’ lives.
Professor Sir Peng Tee Khaw, co-director of the NIHR Moorfields BRC, said: “I am extremely pleased that we have been awarded NIHR BRC funding for the fourth time, demonstrating our joint sites’ world-leading track record and potential for translating vision research through to patient benefit.
“We are excited to deliver our mission of preserving sight and driving equity through innovation, particularly for those in the greatest need. As we age, all of us are likely to be affected by an eye disorder at some point. The impact on quality of life and the cost to healthcare services and the economy due to visual impairment are vast.”
Scientists at the centre have made discoveries in genetics, laser treatments, innovative surgical procedures, drug therapies and artificial intelligence. The award will support research designed to take advances in basic medical research from the laboratory to the clinic.
Dr Martin Kuper, Moorfields chief executive, said: “Patients and staff are at the heart of everything we do. This award will build an even stronger culture of collaboration, underpinned by our plans for Oriel, a joint Moorfields-UCL national eye care, research and education centre, where we will aim to deliver ‘sight for all’ through innovations in eye health.”
The NIHR centres bring together academics and health professionals. The latest funding will support research in cancer, mental health, dementia and infectious diseases. It will enable allied health professionals – such as physiotherapists, radiologists and dietitians – as well as doctors and nurses to develop research expertise.