gms | German Medical Science

Integrated research at the European level is of growing importance in particular for a field like retinal or ophthalmic research which draws much less attention by national funding bodies compared to other fields. In addition there is a need for a high level and interdisciplinary training program that attract young and ambitious scientists to the field and provide them with the scientific and academic skills for a career in retinal research.

The Marie Curie Research Training Network "European Retinal Research training Network ('RETNET')” established in 2004 is a program that integrates nine outstanding research teams in the context of a well-defined collaborative research programme that will formulate and facilitate a structured training programme for researchers in the highly-specialised field of retinal research. 'RETNET' provides a unique and cohesive but flexible framework for the training and professional development of young researchers. These interacting centres bring together a critical mass of theoretical and applied research using a multidisciplinary approach.

Scientifically RETNET will contribute not only to the advancement of our knowledge of visual neuroscience and basic biology of the retina, but also to the understanding of disease processes and the development of therapies for retinal diseases.