The NIHR Moorfields Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) is part of the NIHR. We are a partnership between Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and UCL Institute of Ophthalmology.
We are dedicated to pioneering research that transforms the lives of patients facing sight loss. Our vision is to change lives across the UK and the world by preserving sight and driving equity through innovation, particularly for those with the greatest need.
We are the only BRC dedicated to eye health research. Since 2007, we have been pioneering the translation of laboratory discoveries into treatments for the benefit of patients with eye conditions and for the NHS. Our university-hospital partnership is ranked number one in the world for ophthalmology research (World University Rankings).
We have five themes or areas in our research.
Vascular Disease and Inflammation - investigating how blood vessels in the eye and immune cells can be managed to save sight across different eye diseases. Using our world class expertise in microvascular biology.
Translational Data Science - using data analysis and artificial intelligence (AI), we identify patients at the highest risk of blindness and predict how a person might respond to treatments. In turn, reducing the time and cost it takes to treat each person.
Genomic Discovery and Therapeutics - harnessing genomic data and expertise to develop effective treatments to improve outcomes for patients. Genetic conditions of the retina effect 1 in 2000 people costing £525 million per year.
Imaging, Visual Assessment and Digital Innovation - helping to streamline the 10% of NHS appointments dedicated to eye health. We aim to this by advancing scanning, artificial intelligence and digital innovation in diagnostic technologies.
Regenerative Therapy, Lasers, Medical Devices - looking to lessen the burden on the public purse by creating one off treatments for common eye diseases and deterioration.
Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE)
PPIE is about building partnerships that give 'the public' a say in the research we do. We support researchers with how to engage, inform and include public audiences in research. Our goal is to move towards a culture of active patient and public involvement (PPI), where research is carried out with or by members of the public rather than ‘to’, ‘about’ or ‘for’ them.
Our Five-year Strategy for Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (2022 - 2027)
Below is an outline of our joint Biomedical Research Centre and Clinical Research Facility five-year strategy for the involvement and engagement of patients and the public (PPIE) in research.
Patient and Public Involvement, Engagement and Participation (PPIEP) is central to our core ethos to maximise patient benefit. By working together, we make sure that patients, members of the public, carers and families are genuinely embedded in the development of our research, communications, governance, and strategy.
We are committed to this approach because it ensures the benefits of vision research are returned to the NHS and the wider UK community. Guided by the UK Standards for Public Involvement and the NIHR: Developing PPIE a strategy: Guidance for NIHR Award Holders.
We have a detailed plan of work to enable us to deliver our four PPIEP strategic aims.
Aim one: Setting research priorities for the future of vision research
Aim two: Improving equality, diversity, and representation in PPIEP
Aim three: Building capacity, training, and resources in PPIEP
Aim four: Monitoring and measuring the impact of PPIEP
More Information
For more information on our PPIE strategy please contact Helen Baker, PPIE lead: h.baker@ucl.ac.uk