Visiting Scientist from the Institut de la Vision, France 

We were honored to host Dr. Florian Sennlaub, Director of the Department of Therapeutics at the Institut de la Vision and Director of Research at the Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale (Inserm), Paris, France.

On Tuesday, December 3rd, Dr. Sennlaub delivered an inspiring lecture titled “How genetic-risk variants of age-related macular degeneration shape pathogenic inflammation.” The event was attended by an engaged audience of clinicians from the Department of Ophthalmology as well as numerous CRC 1607 members.

Dr. Sennlaub’s career exemplifies a commitment to advancing our understanding of retinal diseases. After earning his medical degree in Germany, he pursued doctoral training and a Ph.D. in Paris, followed by postdoctoral training in Montréal. Since joining Inserm in 2005, he has led a research team at the Vision Institute in Paris, focusing on the role of innate immunity in retinal diseases, with a particular emphasis on age-related macular degeneration (AMD). His groundbreaking research has uncovered how genetic AMD-risk variants impact immune cells, disrupt subretinal immune suppression, and impede inflammation resolution. These insights offer promising therapeutic avenues to address the non-resolving macrophage accumulation characteristic of AMD.

Dr. Sennlaub’s visit was marked by dynamic scientific exchange, including insightful lab discussions with Prof. Dr. Thomas Langmann’s team, culminating in his outstanding lecture. We are deeply grateful for his visit and the opportunity to benefit from his expertise.

We look forward to future collaborations and thank Dr. Sennlaub for his contributions to advancing ophthalmological research.