About Us
The Centre for Vision and Vascular Science (CVVS) at Queen's University Belfast is genuinely a multidisciplinary research group which incorporates an integrated mixture of approaches ranging from basic cell and molecular biology, pathophysiology of disease, genetic analysis, protein chemistry, patient-based investigation and clinical trials. Priority is given to translating fundamental research, ie; development of drugs and pharmacological agents into practical and valid treatments for important eye diseases and microvascular disorders. This has been exemplified by the translation of important laboratory-based findings on radiation biology of the retina and its vasculature, into relevant clinical studies on its potential use in the management of sub-foveal choroidal neovascularisation in patients with exudative age-related macular degeneration. Our experience in radiobiology of the retina led to the development of a multicentre clinical trial within the UK funded by the MRC in which we played the coordinating and lead role. This also incorporates the Central Angiographic Resource Facility (CARF) which is the management facility for the Network of Ophthalmic Reading Centres UK, known as NetwORC UK. It is the largest Reading Centre in Europe for Ophthalmic Photo Grading, and currently grades studies in AMD, Diabetic Retinopathy, Diabetic Macular Oedema, Macular Telangiectasia, Blebs and Cataract.
CVVS also has established expertise in vascular smooth muscle pathophysiology, vessel compliance and genetic associations with common microvascular diseases and this foundation will be strengthened by developing complementary investigation of cellular and molecular mechanisms of small blood vessel pathology, therapeutic target identification and clinical studies investigating blood vessel physiology and imaging techniques. In addition, the areas of molecular mechanisms of angiogenesis, vascular stem cell / endothelial progenitor cell (EPC) therapy and, ultimately reperfusion of diseased ischaemic tissues is a developing theme. Existing research on cardiac dysfunction in areas such as hypertension, cardiac remodelling, the effects of ischaemia and oxidative stress, inflammatory signalling pathways, clinical cardiovascular imaging and vascular surgery also integrate with the remodelling theme.
Within this framework, we educate medical students, graduate students and post-doctoral researchers, giving unique opportunities for career development and advancement in biomedical research. In terms of locality, we work in recently refurbished, state-of-the-art laboratory facilities based at the Royal Victoria Hospital campus incorporating high-level equipment and specialized facilities. There is also a fully-functional and impressively equipped clinical facility which has been set-up to conduct clinical trials, angiogram grading within an international telemedicine centre and sophisticated retinal imaging / phenotyping.
CVVS has grown in unison with the resurgence of Northern Ireland as "a great country, just pretending to be small". Northern Ireland always scores high in quality of life indices and is a great place for work and family life. The biggest city in Northern Ireland is Belfast which has been invigorated over the last 10 years as a vibrant and exciting regional UK City. As researchers in Belfast, we enjoy the advantages of a lively, blossoming City life, a UK-leading School / Educational system and close proximity to beautiful, unspoilt countryside, areas of unique natural beauty. This “land of saints and scholars” has lots to offer researchers. We invite you to explore our website and see all Queen’s, Northern Ireland and CVVS has to offer.The next meeting of Queen's LGBT staff network will take place at the QFT, starting at 6pm on Tuesday 15th May.
The first movie to be screened at this new monthly event organised by the Network will be She Monkeys, Film scheduled for 6.40pm.
