In 2022, the not-for-profit Robert Machemer Foundation and the International Retinal Research Foundation (IRRF) partnered to create the Robert Machemer, MD/IRRF Fellowship. At the time of the collaboration, the IRRF agreed to provide $100,000 to The Robert Machemer, MD Foundation to co-fund this Fellowship. The overall goal was to support the transition of a vitreoretinal […]
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The IRRF Endowed ARVO Travel Award Honoring Ramon F. Dacheux, II, PhD In 2006, The International Retinal Research Foundation endowed the Ramon Dacheux, II PhD Memorial Travel Award, to honor Dr. Ramon F. Dacheux II, who passed away in May of that year. The Award is administered through the Association for Research in Vision and […]
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Lew Kaplan, PhD Department of Biological Structure University of Washington PROJECT TITLE: Derivation of cultured RPE from human fetal tissue, 3D organoids, and directed differentiation for the purpose of RPE to photoreceptor reprogramming Dr. Kaplan trained in Germany, at the Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, where he received his PhD degree. His prior training in […]
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Kevin Zhang, PhD Department of Ophthalmology University of Pennsylvania PROJECT TITLE: Aqueous Humor Proteomics in Age-Related Macular Degeneration Dr. Zhang completed his PhD in the Dunaief Lab in the Department of Ophthalmology at the University of Pennsylvania, and now dives deeper into retinal lipid metabolism as a postdoc and medical resident. In addition to his […]
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The role of microglia-mediated inflammation on the cell fate of proliferating Müller glia following p27Kip1 inactivation and outer retina degeneration in aged mice
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Maria Grant, MD, of UAB received the prestigious RPB David F. Weeks Award for Outstanding Vision Research. Her groundbreaking work on vascular repair and stem cell therapies holds promise for treating retinal diseases and advancing eye health worldwide.
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In 2024, the IRRF pledged $1.5 million to establish the Teresa and Michael A. Callahan, MD Endowed Chair in Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences at UAB. This prestigious gift will advance vision research, support global collaboration, and honor Dr. Callahan’s legacy in ophthalmic surgery and education.
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The IRRF 2023–2024 Annual Report showcases groundbreaking research, global collaborations, and the foundation’s continued support for advancing treatments and cures for retinal diseases.
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In 2024, The Macula Society Research Committee awarded funds to four individuals for the IRRF/Macula Society Research Grant. The Committee covers a breadth of research experience which is essential to critical review of each applicant.
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Rajendra Apte, MD, PhD Paul A. Cibis Distinguished Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences. Washington University in St. Louis Project Title: Role of the Aging Immune System in Regulating Uveitis Dr. Apte serves as the Director of Education in the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, and the Department of Developmental Biology at the Washington […]
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