Robin Ali, PhD, F.Med.Sci., Visiting Professor at the Kellogg Eye Center, is one of seven scientists to share the 2018 Champalimaud Vision Award.
Two independent international teams, from the University of Pennsylvania and from the University College London, were recognized for developing a gene therapy treatment for patients with Leber Congenital Amaurosis, a genetic condition that leads to childhood blindness. The advancement is the first successful gene therapy for any inherited human disease.
At his primary appointment as Professor of Human Molecular Genetics, University College London Institute of Ophthalmology & Institute of Child Health, Dr. Ali has led groundbreaking trials demonstrating the safety and efficacy of gene therapies for patients with inherited eye diseases. His collaboration with researchers at Kellogg greatly strengthens our translational research program.
Launched in 2006, the Antonio Champalimaud Vision Award alternates yearly between honoring major scientific breakthroughs in the understanding or preservation of vision (the focus in 2018) and outstanding contributions to the alleviation of vision impairment and blindness, primarily in developing countries. With a prize of one million Euros, it is the largest vision award in the world.
“Working with some of the world’s best and brightest helps us achieve our mission,” says Kellogg Director Paul Lee, MD, JD. “We’re so fortunate to partner with Dr. Ali and his team. We congratulate the two teams on this recognition of their game-changing research.”