Associate Professor Riccardo Natoli

Associate Director Research
Associate Professor, School of Medicine and Psychology
PhD, BSc(Hons)

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About

I am interested in developing innovative diagnostic and treatment strategies for neurodegenerative diseases using microRNA (miRNA) and extracellular vesicles (EV). My main research interest is in retinal degenerations, specifically Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD). The prevalence of AMD is accelerating in our ageing population and is estimated that by 2030 over 300 million people worldwide will lose their vision because of this debilitating disease. My work using miRNA and EV to understand and treat this disease is funded by competitive funding agencies (including multiple NHMRC Ideas and Project Grants), industry partnerships, philanthropic funding and a prestigious ANU Translational Fellowship.

In 2017, I established my research group Clear Vision Research (www.clearvisionresearch.com) at JCSMR and ANUMS to provide pathways for the community to engage in our research and support the next generation of vision researchers. This initiative ensures that lab members participate in driving our research goals, gain direct exposure to the people impacted by AMD, and understand the critical need for science outreach. I consider research-led education to be integral to a researcher’s career, and apply this in my lecturing in genetics and cell biology. I developed a school outreach program called the ‘Young Visionaries’ to promote the importance of science to school children and educate parents and teachers on the importance of eye health.

In 2019 I received a Tall Poppy Award in recognition of my scientific excellence and achievements in the fields of vision sciences. I am currently a section chair of the International Society for Eye Research (ISER) 2022 conference, bringing together over 60 international and national researchers presenting across 12 symposia sessions. I have had repeated invitations to present to Retina Australia and The Blind Society and am actively involved in science public events such as National Science Week, Science in ACTion and National Science Youth Forum. The labs work has been featured in media including on National Nine News, Win Local News, and SBSs The Feed, as well as ABC Radio, Radio National and various print and online media.

Affiliations

Research interests

If you were asked, what was the one sense that you couldn't live without, most of you would have immediately thought of your sight. That is because our vision plays an integral role into how we perceive the world around us. Without research into the prevention of vision loss from retinal degenerations it is guaranteed that 1 in 7 people will lose the sense of sight. - Joshua Chu-Tan (3MT Winner, 2016).

Our main research interest is to understand the factors that cause photoreceptors, the light sensing cells of the retina, to die with age and devising novel strategies to prevent degeneration. The main disease we focus on is Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) specifically trying to understand the oxidative stress and inflammation facets of the disease.

Teaching information

  • Genetics
  • Cell Biology
  • Molecular Biology

Location

John Curtin School of Medical Research, Room 2.371, Building 131 Garran Road, Acton ACT 2601