SETU’s INNOVISION launch: Uniting international researchers to impact global vision health

South East Technological University (SETU) will host the online launch of the INNOVISION programme on 13 May 2026, bringing together researchers from across disciplines to engage with an international network addressing vision-related challenges.

The INNOVISION Kick-Off Meeting, delivered online via Zoom, will run from 9.30am to 5.00pm and marks the opening of the programme’s next recruitment phase, alongside a full day of interactive workshops and expert-led sessions.

INNOVISION is an EU co-funded postdoctoral training initiative under the Marie Sk?odowska-Curie Actions, focused on advancing research in ocular disease and vision impairment. The programme responds to the increasing global burden of visual health conditions linked to ageing populations, chronic disease, and environmental factors.

Coordinated by SETU’s Dr Laurence Fitzhenry and managed by Tess Ames, the programme encourages collaboration across a wide range of disciplines, allowing researchers to propose their own topics in areas such as nanomedicine, pharmacology, artificial intelligence, psychology, molecular biology, and public health. This interdisciplinary approach reflects the complexity of vision challenges and the need for solutions that extend beyond traditional research boundaries.

INNOVISION places particular emphasis on interdisciplinary, intersectoral, and international collaboration, alongside researcher mobility and engagement with the real-world needs of people affected by vision loss. The programme is designed to support high-quality research while also strengthening researcher career development and building long-term capacity in the field of vision research.

Speaking ahead of the launch, Dr Fitzhenry said:
 “INNOVISION is built on the idea that vision research extends far beyond the lab. We are bringing together people working in areas as diverse as clinical science, design, policy, business, and the arts to address global challenges related to vision and eye health.”

Professor Marie Claire Van Hout, Vice President for Research, Innovation and Impact at SETU, added, “Programmes such as INNOVISIONdemonstrate SETU’s commitment to delivering research that is both globally connected and regionally relevant. By supporting interdisciplinary collaboration and engaging directly with patient needs, we are building research capacity that will deliver meaningful impact for society while developing the next generation of research talent.”

The launch event will introduce prospective applicants to an international consortium of supervisors spanning Europe, North America, and beyond. Attendees will hear directly from researchers through a series of short presentations, offering insight into potential collaboration opportunities.

The event is open to postgraduate students, postdoctoral researchers, early career academics, and established researchers. It is particularly relevant to those interested in applying their expertise to vision-related challenges, even if their background is not traditionally aligned with vision science.

The agenda includes keynote presentations, interactive workshops, and discussions on embedding public and patient involvement (PPI) in research, alongside case studies exploring pathways from research to patient advocacy. Contributors include organisations such as Fighting Blindness and The Dry Eye Foundation, highlighting the importance of patient-centred research and real-world impact.

Designed as an interactive experience rather than a traditional webinar, the event will include breakout sessions and opportunities for networking, enabling participants to engage directly with speakers and peers.

Ames added, “Our goal is to create a space where researchers at any stage can develop new perspectives, build collaborations, and understand how their work can translate into meaningful impact for patients and society.”

The event is free to attend, fully online, and open to researchers worldwide. Sessions will also be recorded for those unable to attend live.

Registration is now open, with further details available via INNOViSION website.

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