May Griffith

May Griffith is a Full Professor at the University of Montreal's Faculty of Medicine, Department of Ophthalmology. She holds the Caroline Durand Foundation Chair in Cell Therapy for Eye Diseases at Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital and the Canada Research Chair in Biomaterials and Stem Cells in Ophthalmology (Level 1). She is also a member of the CRHMR (Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Research Center) and the RRSV (Vision Health Research Network).

Dr. Griffith's research focuses on tissue engineering, particularly corneal regeneration using biomaterials. In December 1999, she and her collaborators produced the first functional human corneal tissue equivalent, published in Science. Her work has led to several important collaborations between academia and industry, including the development of biosynthetic corneal implants currently undergoing clinical trials. Her research spans biomaterials design, stem cell applications, and innovative approaches to corneal regeneration that avoid animal testing.

Her recent publications demonstrate a consistent focus on corneal regeneration, with an increasing emphasis on nanomaterials, antimicrobial properties in corneal implants, and the translation of laboratory findings to clinical applications. The research trend shows progression from foundational biomaterial development to sophisticated, multi-functional corneal substitutes with clinical relevance.

• IAAM Nanomedical Technology Medal of the Year (2011)
• Contributions to the Integration of Nanomaterials and Regenerative Medicine (2011)
• OCRI Life Sciences Research Award (2007)
• Canadian Top 40 Under 40 (2001)
• Prime Minister's Research Excellence Award (2000)
• Young Researcher of the Year, University of Ottawa (2000)
• CRSNG Award for Professors in Medical Faculties (1993-1998)

Dr. Griffith has successfully secured substantial research funding, including multiple grants from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) and the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC). She has mentored numerous graduate students through their Master's and PhD programs, with recent graduates completing work on corneal biomaterials, biosynthetic implants, and treatment modalities for corneal infections. Her research unit, Corneal Regeneration by Biomaterials, serves as a hub for interdisciplinary collaboration in ophthalmic regenerative medicine.