About our work
The Office of the Scientific Director (OSD) supports basic, translational, and clinical research within the Division of Intramural Research (DIR) that is carried out by over 300 researchers that include 20 investigators, approximately 120 fellows and students, staff scientists, and scientific support staff in various research disciplines. In addition, the OSD oversees several shared resources that include a genetic engineering facility, histopathology services, a biological imaging core, a visual function core, a flow cytometry core, translational research core, ocular gene therapy core, and veterinary services.
NEI Scientific Director Kapil Bharti, Ph.D., leads the Division of Intramural Research. Bharti joined the institute in 2012 to lead OSCTR, which conducts research on degenerative eye diseases using induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cell technology. Under Bharti's direction, the lab has developed iPS cell-based disease models for discovered drugs to treat such diseases. Most notably, he has marshalled preclinical work leading to the first U.S. Phase I/IIa clinical trial to test an autologous iPS cell derived RPE patch for AMD patients.
The IRP research efforts include:
The biological mechanisms of vision
- Developing new technologies to visualize the cells and structures of the eye
- Exploring how cells in the eye respond to damage or stress
- Studying molecular and cellular pathways that support eye development and visual function
- Understanding how the brain interprets information from the eye to create vision
Immunology and immune system of the eye
- Understanding the unique mechanisms of ocular immunity
- Exploring the ocular microbiome
Etiology and genetics of common and rare diseases
- Exploring the role of common and rare genetic variants in the development of ocular diseases, including inherited eye diseases
- Using genetic information to develop new treatments for diseases like age-related macular degeneration
Developing new treatments for eye diseases
- Generating new therapeutics, including gene therapy, stem cell-based treatments, and novel biologics for diseases affecting the eye
- Conducting clinical studies, including natural history studies, new methods to evaluate visual function, and therapeutics for eye diseases
See information on all our laboratories, investigators, and shared facilities
Offices within OSD
- Training Office: NEI has a broad range of opportunities for students and professionals including internships, fellowships, and training programs.
- Technology Transfer Office: Facilitates development of novel inventions and collaborative relationships between NEI investigators and the broader scientific community.
- Office of the Scientific Information Officer: Enables NEI scientists to effectively and successfully use research IT as part of their daily scientific research work.
Key Staff
| Name | Title | Phone | |
|---|---|---|---|
Kapil Bharti, Ph.D. | Scientific Director | kapil.bharti@nih.gov | 301-451-6763 |
| Deputy Scientific Director | schneeweisdm@nei.nih.gov | 301-451-6763 | |
| Training Director | cesarp@nei.nih.gov | 301-451-6763 | |
| Mala Dutta, Ph.D. | Technology Development Coordinator | mala.dutta@nih.gov | 301-451-2198 |
| Scientific Information Officer (Acting) | markus.dittrich@nih.gov | 443-819-5118 | |
| Mica McNair | Program Director | mica.mcnair@nih.gov | 301-451-6763 |
| Ellen Hilburn | Program Analyst | ellen.hilburn@nih.gov | 301-451-6763 |
| Princess Alike | Program Specialist | princess.alike@nih.gov | 301-451-6763 |
| Charles Gushue | Executive Assistant | charles.gushue@nih.gov | 301-451-6763 |