ORBITAL · Ocular Research By Integrated Training And Learning

Diseases of the posterior segment of the eye are increasing considerably, partly due to an ageing population(almost 20% of the population of Europe now over 65). Despite accounting for approximately 55% of ocular conditions,only 5% of ocular product sales target the posterior segment due to the technical difficulties in developing safe, effectiveand easy-to-use formulations. Age-related Macular Degeneration and Diabetic retinopathy are some of the main causeof blindness and severe impairment of vision in patients. These diseases represent a considerable burden onpatients and healthcare systems throughout the world. ORBITAL has the primary objective of recruiting excellent earlystage researchers (ESRs) and developing the next generation of research leaders and drivers. There is a clear unmetclinical need for efficient, safe, non-invasive and patient-friendly strategies for the treatment of prevalent diseases ofthe posterior segment of the eye. With a necessary collaborative network of European and global experts, fromacademic, clinical and industrial sectors, ESRs will be exposed to an integrated and complementary network ofexpertise in materials science, nanotechnology, animal modeling, enhanced in-vitro testing, analytical chemistry anddrug discovery. ORBITAL will build an intersectoral consortium with extensive experience in generating innovative technologies and training new researchers. ESRs will be exposed to a broad scientific landscape of complementarydisciplines. With the combined skills and knowledge of the consortium, ESRs will be provided with the network, skillsand knowledge to develop their careers while the extensive mobility of researchers will lead to increased knowledgetransfer and collaborative research