The Garland Initiative provides funding for novel, interdisciplinary research aimed at developing therapies for two leading causes of vision loss:  age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. Research combines two of UC Santa Barbara’s core strengths: Bioengineering and Stem Cell Biology.

The effort is led by a team of four investigators: Dennis Clegg, Peter Coffey, and James Thomson.

Research includes the study of the fundamental molecular biology of stem cells and how to differentiate them into the ocular cells, with the application of novel biotechnologies to deliver those cells to the right place.  With a unique combination of high caliber expertise in regenerative bioengineering, this effort allows us to go forward and develop stem cell treatments for these blinding conditions.