Dr. Mark Hankins

Biography

Mark Hankins is the Associate Head of the Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology and a Professor of Visual Neuroscience at the University of Oxford. His research focuses on understanding the mechanisms of light-dependent signaling in the retina and its impact on both visual and non-visual light detection. After completing his PhD in Biophysics at Imperial College London, Professor Hankins commenced his academic career with a Wellcome Trust Vision Fellowship in 1993, which eventually led to his appointment as a Professor in 2004. He has pioneered research in optogenetics and has contributed significantly to understanding retinal physiology through innovative methods such as calcium imaging. His laboratory conducts cutting-edge research on the roles of novel opsin photopigments in the inner retinal circuitry and has developed retinal optical prosthetics aimed at restoring vision for individuals suffering from retinal degeneration. He also collaborates internationally, furthering the knowledge in sensory phototransduction and its technological applications in medicine. Professor Hankins serves as a visiting professor at Imperial College London in the field of Bioengineering.

Research Interests

Experience