معرفی
Dr. Malgorzata Rozanowska is a Senior Lecturer and Deputy Director of Research at Cardiff University's School of Optometry and Vision Sciences. She joined Cardiff University in October 2003 after completing her PhD in Biophysics at Jagiellonian University in Poland and conducting research fellowships at Keele University and Duke University.
Education:
- PhD in Biophysics (Photoreactivity of Retinal Pigment Epithelium), Institute of Molecular Biology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland (1998)
- MSc in Physics, specialisation in Medical Physics (Photoreactivity of Cationic Derivatives of Porphyrins), Institute of Physics, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland (1992)
- Postgraduate Certificate in University Teaching and Learning (PCUTL), Cardiff University (2007)
- Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy (HEA), UK (2008)
Dr. Rozanowska's research focuses on understanding the mechanisms responsible for light-induced damage to the retina and the factors contributing to increased oxidative stress in the ageing retina and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Her work investigates the roles of mitochondria, melanosomes, lipofuscin granules, and small molecules like retinoids, carotenoids, and polyunsaturated fatty acids in retinal function and disease. She employs advanced techniques including electron spin resonance spectroscopy, laser flash photolysis, and various spectroscopic methods to study photo-oxidative damage and protection mechanisms.
Analysis of her recent publications (2019-2024) reveals a consistent focus on lipofuscin formation and phototoxicity, antioxidant protection mechanisms in the retina, and the development of therapeutic approaches for retinal diseases. Her work frequently examines the interactions between visual cycle retinoids and protective compounds like lutein, zeaxanthin, and melanin. There is a growing emphasis on therapeutic development for inherited retinal diseases, particularly through chemical chaperones and novel drug compounds targeting opsins and mitochondrial function in optic neuropathies.
Scientific Awards:
- Senior Fulbright Fellowship (2002-2003) for "Identification of the Molecules Responsible for Lipofuscin Phototoxicity"
- Lester Packer Young Investigator Award (2002) for scientific excellence
- Travelling Research Fellowship from the Wellcome Trust (2000-2002)
- Award of the Rector of the Jagiellonian University for Excellent PhD Thesis (1998)
- Fellowship from the Foundation for Polish Science (1997)
Dr. Rozanowska supervises PhD and MSc students and serves as Module Leader for OP1206 Ocular Anatomy and Physiology. Her laboratory work focuses on the biochemical mechanisms of retinal photodamage and protection, with particular attention to the roles of lipofuscin, melanin, and dietary antioxidants. She has served as Associate Editor for Photochemistry and Photobiology since 2007 and as Guest Editor for special issues on light-induced retinal damage and melanins.
Her research team collaborates extensively with international institutions including Duke University, Case Western Reserve University, and various European research centers. Current work emphasizes developing therapeutic approaches for age-related macular degeneration and inherited retinal diseases through understanding the fundamental photochemical processes that contribute to retinal degeneration.
