معرفی
Robert MacLaren is Professor of Ophthalmology at the University of Oxford, Consultant Ophthalmologist at Oxford Eye Hospital, Honorary Professor at UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, and Honorary Consultant Vitreoretinal Surgeon at Moorfields Eye Hospital. He is also an NIHR Senior Investigator and holds fellowships from the Royal College of Ophthalmologists, Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, American College of Surgeons, and Academy of Medical Sciences.
His research focuses on novel therapies for retinal diseases, particularly through gene therapy, stem cell approaches, and electronic retinas. He has pioneered intraocular robotic surgery and RNA silencing techniques for genetic retinal disorders. Key projects include choroideremia gene therapy and inhibition of vitamin A dimerization for Stargardt disease.
Notable scientific achievements span 2006–2023, including first-in-human trials for choroideremia, X-linked retinitis pigmentosa, and robotic surgery. These works appeared in Nature, Nature Medicine, and PNAS, emphasizing translational impact and clinical validation.
- ARVO Camras Award for Translational Research
- RP Fighting Blindness Scientist of the Year
- American Academy of Ophthalmology Achievement Award
- Royal College of Ophthalmologists Keeler Medal
- Macular Society Clinical Service of the Year
He co-founded Nightstar Therapeutics (acquired by Biogen) and Beacon Therapeutics, raising over $1 billion for retinal gene therapy. Current funding sources include the Medical Research Council UK, Wellcome Trust, and Biogen Inc.