Sandra Tenreiro elected Chair of the European initiative Retina4Future, aimed at accelerating the transfer of laboratory research into clinical practice
Professor and researcher at NOVA Medical School, Sandra Tenreiro, has been elected Chair of Retina4Future, a new international collaborative research network dedicated to accelerating the translation of laboratory discoveries into concrete diagnostic and treatment solutions for retinal diseases. The initiative is funded by the European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) and brings together experts from more than 35 countries.
Retina4Future will unite professionals from multiple fields — from fundamental science to clinical practice — including physicians, small and medium-sized enterprises, patient associations, ethics specialists, and policymakers.
“This is the first European network dedicated exclusively to retinal diseases,” emphasizes Sandra Tenreiro, adding: “We aim to bring together researchers, clinicians, and companies to transform scientific advances into real solutions for patients.”
Currently counting around 170 participants from 30 COST Full Member countries and six international partners — from Canada, the United States, India–Jordan, Kosovo, and Cabo Verde, as well as two international organizations — the new network seeks to promote early diagnosis, improve imaging tools, and identify structural, functional, and molecular biomarkers of retinal diseases.
Another key objective is to develop innovative therapies capable of halting disease progression in its early stages, before significant vision loss occurs.
“COST Actions do not directly fund research projects but support networking activities through workshops, training sessions, and scientific missions,” explains Sandra Tenreiro, reinforcing: “This initiative will be essential for training young researchers and accelerating the transfer of knowledge to clinical practice.”
Retina4Future is coordinated by the Degeneration and Ageing Laboratory at NOVA Medical School and is part of a broader European movement of scientific collaboration and health innovation — further strengthening the role of the medical school of Nova University Lisbon in leading international projects with real impact on society.