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Champalimaud Translational Research Centre inaugurated
The Champalimaud Translational Centre of Eye Research (C-TRACER) was inaugurated at LVPEI, Hyderabad, on January 30, 2008, by Smt. Purandareshwari, Minister of State for Human Resource Development, Govt. of India. C-TRACER, a world-class translational research facility devoted to the analysis, management and treatment of selected eye disorders, will enhance the vision research program of LVPEI's Prof Brien Holden Eye Research Centre. It has been set up in partnership with the Antonio Champalimaud Foundation of Portugal.
A seminar on translational research was held to mark the event, with Professor N K Ganguly, UNESCO Centre for Translational Research and Training, New Delhi, delivering the First Champalimaud Lecture on 'Translational Research Scenario and Opportunities in India'. The seminar provided an opportunity for presentations on different aspects and processes of translational research. Prof Robert Folberg of the University of Illinois Chicago Campus, Chicago, USA, explained how technology could be used to maximize the impact of distance education in ophthalmology. Prof Jost Jonas from the University of Heidelberg, Germany, presented the results and policy implications of the Beijing Eye Study, while Dr Miguel Castelo-Branco from Coimbra, Portugal, described a model of genotype-phenotype correlations in ocular disease. Prof Brien Holden, CEO, Institute of Eye Research, Australia detailed the progress of translational research in the area of refractive error. Chitra Kannabiran, Geeta Vemuganti and Virender Sangwan described the work done at LVPEI in molecular genetics and stem cells.
The formal inaugural ceremony of C-TRACER took place in the evening, with a symbolic lighting of the lamp by Smt. Purandareshwari. Dr G N Rao traced the history and development of LVPEI while Prof Balasubramanian spoke of the history of translational research in India. Prof Brien Holden reflected upon the 21-year association between LVPEI and the Institute for Eye Research, Sydney, while Dr Leonor Beleza, President of the Champalimaud Foundation, recalled the history of the partnership between the Foundation and LVPEI. The Ambassador of Portugal to India, Luis Filipe de Castro Mendes, and Smt Purandeswari also addressed the invitees.
LVPEI has received a grant of about 1 million US$ from the Indian government's Department of Biotechnology to support this work for a five-year period. While the Champalimaud support of 1.04 million Euros has helped develop the infrastructure, the DBT funds will facilitate upgradation of equipment and laboratory material.
The focus of C-TRACER will be twofold: stem cell research and therapy for corneal and retinal disorders, and molecular genetic and biological studies of the causation of certain eye diseases and approaches to their treatment. Research will be driven by disorders seen in the patients at the clinic, studying the basic biology of the disorders in the laboratory, and translating the results into possible therapy, i.e., bedside to bench and back to bedside. A team of 7 scientists and 20 research fellows and associates will work with over 20 ophthalmologists in this five-year long program.
http://www.sciam.com/article.cfm?id=stem-cell-eye-repair
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