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Dr. Ratnayaka brings together expertise in Retinal Cell Biology and Neurodegeneration. Graduating from the University of Aberdeen, he completed a Master's degree at Imperial College, London, followed by a PhD at the University of Liverpool. His doctoral work characterized the molecular and biochemical fate of proteins associated with Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) and proliferative vitreoretinopathy. His extended interests in degenerative pathophysiology involved postdoctoral work at King's College London and the University of Sussex, where he investigated axonal and synaptic mechanisms in the central nervous system. At Southampton, Dr. Ratnayaka's group studies the molecular mechanisms underlying degenerative processes in the senescent retina and brain, utilizing in-vitro cell and animal models, as well as human donor tissues. His work employs techniques such as gene-editing, lentiviruses, stem cells, and ultrastructural 3D imaging. He collaborates with scientists, clinicians, and industry, while also focusing on the policy implications of his research. As an Academic Lead in the Southampton Biomedical Imaging Faculty, he supervises BSc, MSc, and MMedSci students in his laboratory, and he is involved in raising awareness about blinding diseases and conditions such as Alzheimer’s dementia through public outreach activities.
University of Southampton • Southampton, ENG
Engaged in teaching, supervision, and research in the field of retinal cell biology and neurodegeneration.