The ORBITAL Project focuses on developing innovative technologies to treat diseases of the back of the eye, such as diabetic eye disease and age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which are some of the main causes of blindness and severe vision impairment in elderly patients in Europe.
The ORBITAL (Ocular Research By Integrated Training And Learning) network is an EU-funded Marie Sklodowska-Curie Innovation Training Network (MSCA-ITN). This ITN will train 15 early stage researchers (PhD students) across Europe to develop drug delivery technologies that can help treat posterior segment diseases of the eye, e.g. age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. In so doing, ORBITAL aims to improve the quality of life and clinical outcomes for patients with these conditions.
The network is built on an intersectoral and broadly international consortium (academia, industry, clinicians, patient advocacy groups and hospitals) composed of members from Europe, Canada and the US. The goal is to train researchers to PhD level, ensuring that they have a clear focus on patient needs and interdisciplinary skills. We will have a strong focus on outreach, dissemination, patient and public engagement.