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Jacqui van der Spuy is a Professor of Molecular Cellular Biology at the UCL Institute of Ophthalmology. Her research focuses on understanding the molecular basis of inherited retinal dystrophies (IRDs) and developing treatments for these conditions. Her laboratory utilizes gene-edited patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) to model IRDs by differentiating iPSC tissues into eye and retinal pigment epithelium three-dimensional organoids, which aid in studying the molecular pathways affected by these diseases. She holds a Post-Graduate Certificate in Learning and Teaching in Higher Education and is an Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. Currently, she serves as the Director of the Master of Research (MRes) Brain Sciences program and has previously directed the Vision Research pathway for the MRes in Brain Sciences, along with serving as the Deputy Director for the Master of Science (MSc) in Biology and Vision program. She also chairs the Clinical Ophthalmology Board Examiners and is the Deputy Chair of the Board of Examiners for the MRes in Brain Sciences. Jacqui has a keen interest in supporting postgraduate research and the early career progression of her students, leading as the Departmental Graduate Tutor for postgraduate research students at the Institute of Ophthalmology.