Retina Network Ireland: 'Vision Research Snapshots' Competition Winners Announced!

Fighting Blindness is delighted to announce the winners of our #VisionResearchSnapshots campaign, in celebration of Global Accessibility Awareness Day, May 15.

The #VisionResearchSnapshots campaign was an initiative that invited researchers and clinicians in the vision loss field to reimagine their workspaces through the lens of multi-sensory experience. This competition was open to members of Retina Network Ireland (RNI), our free, all-island network that aims to connect and support professionals working in vision research and clinical care.

As part of the campaign, researchers were invited to submit a photo of their workplace along with an accessible image description, exploring not just what the environment looks like, but how it feels, sounds, or even smells! This creative approach aimed to highlight the importance of accessibility and inclusion in scientific research, especially for communities impacted by vision loss.

We are thrilled by the response to the campaign and would like to extend our thanks to everyone who took part. We truly appreciate the time, creativity, and care that went into every entry.

While we wish we could recognise them all, we’re excited to announce the two standout image descriptions selected!

The top two entries were:

  • Dr Sophia Millington-Ward, Senior Research Fellow, Trinity College Dublin, School of Genetics and Microbiology

Here’s a snapshot of my workspace in vision research for #VisionResearchSnapshots by Fighting Blindness: My workbench within a busy TCD laboratory is by far the messiest in the Genetics Department. Tubes, potions, glassware, papers and samples appear randomly strewn across it. The chaos, however, is superficial. I think this chaos keeps me sane and my mind focused. Nothing is lost, nothing is muddled. My journal, logging my precious experiments, is immaculately neat and tidy.

You can follow Dr Sophia Millington-Ward’s work and stay updated on her latest research through her LinkedIn profile here.

Here's a snapshot of my workspace in vision research for #VisionResearchSnapshots by Fighting Blindness. My workbench within a busy TCD laboratory is by far the messiest in the Genetics Department. Tubes, potions, glassware, papers and samples appear randomly strewn across it. The chaos, however, is superficial. I think this chaos keeps me sane and my mind focused. Nothing is lost, nothing is muddled. My journal, logging my precious experiments, is immaculately neat and tidy.
  • Dr Patrizia Colucci, Postdoctoral researcher, University College Dublin, UCD Conway Institute

Here is a snapshot of my workspace in vision research for #VisionResearchSnapshots by Fighting Blindness: The recipe to test in a minute if a molecule can improve vision? A microscope (weighed down by heavy old books!), a rotating striped drum, a paintbrush, and sticky gel to hold baby zebrafish in place during the test — ta-da! A timer that beeps every 30 seconds and the smell of coffee from my mug keep me company during experiments.

You can follow Dr Patrizia Colucci’s work and stay updated on her latest research through her LinkedIn profile here.

Here is a snapshot of my workspace in vision research for #VisionResearchSnapshots by Fighting Blindness. The recipe to test in a minute if a molecule can improve vision? A microscope (weighed down by heavy old books!), a rotating striped drum, a paintbrush, and sticky gel to hold baby zebrafish in place during the test — ta-da! A timer that beeps every 30 seconds and the smell of coffee from my mug keep me company during experiments.

Click the button below to explore our newly revamped RNI page and join today for free!

If you are a researcher or clinician working in the field of vision loss, we encourage you to join RNI and access unique opportunities for collaboration, training, and professional support in the field.

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Thank you once again to all participants and supporters of the #VisionResearchSnapshots campaign. Let’s continue the conversation and work together to build a more inclusive, accessible, and innovative future in vision research!