A standout aspect of the day was the speakers’ commitment to accessibility. All speakers presented without slides, a move that was widely appreciated by attendees, including patient advocate Jean King, who said,
“The speakers had clearly prepared carefully, and the level and tone were entirely appropriate for the audience. It was impressive that they spoke without notes, and the ‘no slides’ policy worked well.”
This deliberate choice allowed for a more equitable experience for all levels of visual ability and made the complex topics more relatable and engaging for attendees.
The audience responded well, asking insightful and thought-provoking questions during the Q&A sessions. The speakers, ranging from experts in vascular research to genomics, responded with clarity and enthusiasm, making the entire day a dynamic and collaborative event.
Jean King’s reflection on the event also emphasised the broader significance of the research presented:
“Thank you for a truly inspiring meeting, loaded with fascinating insights into the future not only of eye research for its own sake but its potential to contribute to and collaborate with other health areas too.”
Her comments highlighted the collective sense of pride in the progress being made and the tangible impact it will have on patients’ lives in the future.
Dr. Helen Baker, who opened and closed the event, was praised for ensuring the event’s tone was inclusive and educational. She, alongside fellow researchers, facilitated discussions across several key themes, including vascular health, regenerative therapies, imaging and genomics techniques.
One attendee said:
“A hugely interesting and informative day. The speakers enthusiasm impressed me, as did thir concern for patients well being.”
The inclusion of a talk from the Public and Patient Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) Award Winner, Dr. Dayyanah Sumodhee, further demonstrated the importance of involving patients in the research process, an essential element of our BRC’s PPIE approach.
In addition to the research themes, the ‘Research Engagers Roadshow’ led by Charlotte Patten, demonstrated the BRC’s commitment to making scientific concepts understandable and accessible for the wider public across Moorfields satellite centres.
Warren Simms, a fellow attendee, reflected on the event’s lasting value, commenting on LinkedIn, “This has been a truly inspiring day. The work here is remarkable in both its ambition and enduring impact. This is the kind of effort that will be remembered long after many of us have moved on, and rightly so. If you missed it, make a note of the next event and see the future.”
As the event drew to a close at 4pm, the sense of excitement and pride was evident. The success of the day was in no small part due to the unwavering commitment of the speakers and attendees to ensure that research is beneficial to all.
Agenda Highlights
- Vascular Research Theme: Dr Sridevi Thottarath and Dr Shruti Chandra
- Regenerative Therapies Theme: Dr Hari Jayaram
- Imaging Theme: Prof Marinko Sarunic and Dr Vijay Tailor-Hamblin
- Genomics Theme: Dr Amanda Carr and Dr Shane (Siyin) Liu
- Data Theme: Prof Paul Foster and Dr Alisdair Warwick