Champalimaud Translational Centre of Eye Research
The Champalimaud Foundation, based in Lisbon, Portugal, was created on the bequest of the late Portuguese industrialist and entrepreneur, António de Sommer Champalimaud. At the end of 2004 it was incorporated as the Anna de Sommer Champalimaud and Dr Carlos Montez Champalimaud Foundation, in honour of the benefactor’s parents. The Foundation has a long-term commitment to support medical research, in particular neurology, onclology and vision sciences.
The Champalimaud Foundation and L V Prasad Eye Institute have agreed on the development of a vast program of translational research through the establishment of the Champalimaud Translational Centre of Eye Research or C-TRACER. This centre will lead to the beginning of the Foundation’s scientific activity in two years and allow Portuguese scientists to participate in research. LVPEI has been conducting translational research in relation to vision and has, notably, utilised stem cells for the treatment of eye diseases. Now this agreement has established a link between the scientific communities of Portugal, Africa and Asia, and will allow the creation of programs specific to the Lusophone countries of Africa.
C-TRACER will focus on the following areas:
- Research and therapy through the utilisation of stem cells in vision-related illnesses;
- Translational research utilising existing and novel clinical methodologies with the objective of furthering the knowledge of vision in such a way that it can be readily applied to the patient;
- Exchange programs involving scientists chosen by LVPEI and the Champalimaud Foundation; and
- Introduction of capacity building programs aimed at developing Lusophone countries such as Mozambique, Angola, Timor and others.
With the creation of C-TRACER the Champalimaud Foundation is making a significant contribution to the prevention and eradication of vision-related disease and illness in Portugal, in the countries of the Portuguese language, in India and in the world, apart from providing unique opportunities for training and experience for talented Portuguese scientists.
The Department of Biotechnology, Government of India, has also granted a five-year program support to the Institute to aid the Centre in its activities.