
The Australian National University
Research Field: Vision Sciences
Dr Riccardo Natoli’s vision is to lead an internationally competitive research program to reduce the severity and progression of Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD).
By current projections, 1.7 million Australians will lose their vision due to Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) by 2030, largely caused by late diagnosis.
Dr Natoli’s research aims to discover what causes photoreceptors in our retinas to degenerate as we age and develop new ways to reduce vision loss from retinal disease. He has discovered that a group of molecules called microRNA (miRNA) play a role in AMD’s progression and is investigating their use as therapeutics and diagnostics.
Dr Natoli’s public outreach includes promoting the importance of science and eye health to students, teachers and parents and delivering presentations for members of the The Blind Society and Retina Australia. Dr Ricardo Natoli received his PhD from The Australian National University (ANU) in 2009 is currently a Research Fellow with ANU.