Two research projects being carried out by Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) have been shortlisted for prestigious national awards by the Times Higher Education (THE) magazine.
The THE Awards are considered to be the ‘Oscars of higher education’ and last year, ARU was awarded the prestigious title of University of the Year. This year, ARU has been shortlisted in two categories.
The first project is an international collaboration between more than 100 ophthalmologists and optometrists led by ARU’s Professor Rupert Bourne that provides essential data on global vision impairment and blindness.
This work by the Vision Loss Expert Group recently led the World Health Organisation to commend for the first time the inclusion of a vision-related metric in the WHO Universal Health Coverage indicators. This work has been shortlisted for the category of International Collaboration of the Year.
Cutting-edge research into using nanotechnologies to treat macular degeneration – one of the most common causes of sight loss worldwide – has been shortlisted for the category of Research Project of the Year (STEM).
Led by Professor Barbara Pierscionek, this research found a way to use nanotechnology to create a 3D ‘scaffold’ to grow retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells that stay healthy and viable for up to 150 days. RPE cells sit just outside the neural part of the retina and, when damaged, can cause vision to deteriorate.
James Rolfe, Chief Operating Officer at Anglia Ruskin University (ARU), said: “We’re delighted that some of the impressive work being carried out by colleagues across the university has been recognised by the Times Higher Education in its annual awards.
“The two projects shortlisted are extremely important pieces of research that have potential to improve the lives of millions of people across the world.
“After being named University of the Year last year, this recognition again demonstrates that ARU is making a real impact in communities locally, nationally and globally.”
The winners will be announced at a ceremony in Birmingham on 28 November.
