Petr Baranov

Petr Baranov, MD, PhD is an Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology at Harvard Medical School and an Assistant Scientist at Massachusetts Eye and Ear, where he also serves as Associate Director of the Ocular Regenerative Medicine Institute. His dual appointments place him at the forefront of translational vision science.

Research Focus:

• Ocular regenerative medicine and retinal stem-cell biology
• Human retinal organoid technology and single-cell transcriptomics
• Retinal ganglion cell transplantation and optic-nerve regeneration
• Neuroprotection strategies via antioxidant and microglial modulation
• Biomaterial scaffolds and hydrogels for retinal tissue engineering

Across more than 40 peer-reviewed publications since 2013, Baranov’s work demonstrates a clear trajectory from foundational developmental studies in lower vertebrates to high-resolution molecular mapping of human retina and, ultimately, to first-in-class cell-replacement therapies aimed at restoring sight in optic neuropathies and retinal degenerative diseases.

Laboratory & Teams:
He leads research efforts within the Ocular Regenerative Medicine Institute at Massachusetts Eye and Ear, collaborating extensively with the multi-institutional RReSTORe (Retinal Ganglion Cell Repopulation, Stem-cell Transplantation and Optic Nerve Regeneration) Consortium. His lab integrates single-cell multi-omics, advanced tissue-clearing imaging, and biomimetic hydrogel engineering to create next-generation retinal repair strategies.