EJP RD – ERN Workshop: New Therapeutical Approaches for Inherited Retinal Dystrophies

Concept
Inherited retinal dystrophies (IRDs) constitute a heterogeneous group of retinal diseases that cause the progressive loss of vision. Genetics of IRDs is very complex making difficult to find the specific mutation, as well as the correct treatment for most of these diseases. Several therapeutic approaches have been developed in order to stop (e.g. gene therapy), slow down (e.g. neuroprotection) retinal degeneration or restore visual function (e.g. artificial devices). The advance of knowledge of IRDs includes implementing diagnostic/diagnosis tools, searching for new effective therapies, transferring basic research to clinical practice, and raising public awareness of IRDs existence. These objectives require the joint and coordinated work of basic researchers, ophthalmologist, neurophysiologists, social workers, patient associations and public administrations.

Aim
The workshop will give an update on basic and translational research related to new therapeutic approaches for IRDs. It will bring together European experts and trainees to improve the training of young researchers on IRDs and latest therapies. Participants and speakers will involve representatives from ERN-EYE partners and non-ERN-EYE partners. The workshop will be perfomed in English and delivered by basic researchers, ophthalmologist, patients.  It will facilitate collaborations and exchange of ideas between attendees.

Beginners and medium level researchers – junior physicians and scientists.

The workshop will consist of interactive lectures and discussions of genetics, physiology and especially, latest therapies on IRDs. Patients affected by IRDs will share their experience with these therapies. Questions will be encouraged to enhance the communication and level of understanding. Sufficient breaks are planned to encourage personal and professional interaction between junior/senior researchers, physicians and patients.

To register please fill the application form until 15 January 2023.

Affiliated to an ERN-Full Member or Affiliated Partner institution (15-20 participants). Their costs for travel and accomodation will be covered. Furthermore 5-10 participants non-affiliated to an ERN-Full Member or Affiliated Partner institution can be also admitted to the workshop. However, their costs for travel and accommodation cannot be covered.

The organizer together with one member of the WP17 Scientific Evaluation Committee will select the most appropriate workshop participants based their qualification, experience and interest in the field of IRDs.  

All registered participants will be informed if they are selected to attend this training course before 31, January 2023.  

At the end of the training workshop a Certificate of Attendance will be sent to the participants who attended the entire workshop. 
No credits of Continuing Education in Medicine will be issued. 

Workshops will run in English.

CIPF – Príncipe Felipe Research Center, Eduardo Primo Yúfera, 3, 46012, Valencia, Spain.

If you have specific questions, please write to the workshop organizer: Dr Regina Rodrigo
rrodrigo@cipf.es

Questions related to organization of travelling hotel, dinner should be addressed to:
BCD Meetings and Events
ciber@bcdtravel

For general inquiries about the workshops in the ERN RD Support and Training Program please write to:
Sanja.hermanns@ejprd-project.eu
RareEndoERN@lumc.nl

See the programme here.