Objective
Loss of vision is frequently related to disorders of the retina that may be either primary or secondary such as involvement in metabolic or neurologic disorders. Since the retina constitutes an easily accessible outpost of the brain, it emerged as top research target for non-invasive diagnostics of neurological diseases such as Alzheimers disease. Preclinical testing in rodents is an essential element in the process of exploring novel therapeutic compounds. The gold standard for such research and development read-out relies on histological confirmation, which, however, requires the animals to be sacrificed. In contrast, optical imaging methods enable rapid identification of pathologic tissue structures based on intrinsic contrast. In ERC Starting Grant OPTIMALZ, we have developed a novel multi-contrast optical imaging platform for longitudinal studies of the retina. Based on high-speed optical coherence tomography (OCT) technology, our prototype provides 3D images based on the light backscattered from the retina as well as polarization contrast for the identification of pigmented lesions, and OCT angiography for visualizing the microvasculature without the need for contrast-agent. Unlike histology, our platform allows for repeated, non-invasive imaging of live rodents eyes and thereby greatly reduces the number of animals required for a study. We have successfully demonstrated the powerful potential of our technology in rodent models of primary retinal degeneration and Alzheimers disease. The PoC project OPTIMEYEZ shall now expand our imaging portfolio to include additional models, improve technological aspects, and make our imaging platform accessible to key players in pharmaceutical industry. By securing intellectual property, developing business strategies, and establishing further commercialization concepts together with users from pharmaceutical industry, this project will take our technology from our lab to next generation biomedical eye/brain research.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- medical and health sciences basic medicine neurology dementia alzheimer
- medical and health sciences clinical medicine ophthalmology
- natural sciences biological sciences histology
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Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.1.1 - European Research Council (ERC)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-ERC-POC - HORIZON ERC Proof of Concept Grants
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) ERC-2022-POC1
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
1090 WIEN
Austria
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.