ProgRET brings together 10 partners and 5 associate partners across Europe, combining the knowledge and expertise of academia, industry and patient organisations. This multidisciplinary European network aims to train 10 doctoral candidates, representing a new generation of vision researchers specialising in autosomal dominant inherited retinal diseases (IRD).
Led by Prof. Elfride De Baere, Ghent University, ProgRET aims to train the next generation of researchers to tackle the complex challenges of autosomal dominant IRDs. With a lack of treatments available for patients living with these conditions, there is a significant unmet need for more research into the underlying causes of these conditions and developing new strategies to treat them. ProgRET focuses on developing new and innovative therapeutic strategies, while using advanced technologies to deepen our understanding of the mechanisms driving these conditions.
Fighting Blindness, along with other associated partner organisations, aim to support the early-stage researchers of the network. Our Research Officer, Dr. Shannon Lee, previously contributed to a Complementary Skills course on ‘Fundraising and Patient Engagement’ at a ProgRET network meeting in Montpellier, France. The meeting brought together doctoral candidate researchers from across Europe to explore cutting-edge approaches in retinal research, patient engagement, and science communications.
Together with Dr. Nabin Paudel, Head of Research and Programmes at Retina International, Shannon delivered an interactive session on Public and Patient Involvement (PPI), guiding participants on how to build meaningful partnerships with patient communities within their research. Doctoral candidates also learned about research fundraising strategies of non-profit organisations.
Collaborations like ProgRET play an important role in driving progress in the IRD research landscape. By working alongside researchers, clinicians, industry partners, and patient organisations in this network, we are helping to ensure that the lived experiences of people affected by IRDs are embedded in research, supporting pathways towards future treatments and solutions.
We look forward to continuing this important work together!