BrightFocus Foundation Welcomes New Director of Vision Science Programs

BrightFocus Foundation is pleased to welcome Jimmy Liu, PhD, as its new director of vision science programs. In this role, Dr. Liu will oversee BrightFocus’ Macular Degeneration Research and National Glaucoma Research programs, guiding innovative funding initiatives that support groundbreaking discoveries in vision science.

Dr. Liu received his PhD in biology from Johns Hopkins University, in partnership with the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the National Eye Institute (NEI). He spent his research career at the NEI, where his work on the basic mechanisms of inherited eye disorders resulted in eight peer-reviewed publications. He also holds Lean Six Sigma Green Belt and Project Management Professional (PMP) certifications and is deeply committed to mentoring and workforce development in STEM.

Before joining BrightFocus, Dr. Liu served as a health program specialist at the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) in the Office of Programs to Enhance the Neuroscience Workforce. There, he managed neuroscience training grants spanning from post-baccalaureate students to early-career faculty, strengthening the pipeline of future leaders in biomedical research.

Below, Dr. Liu share his thoughts on his new role, his perspective on the future of vision research, and the importance of donor support.

Q&A with Dr. Jimmy Liu

What drew you to BrightFocus Foundation and its mission in vision research?

As a vision researcher, I knew about the immense impact BrightFocus Foundation had in the age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and glaucoma space. When the opportunity to apply for the Director of Vision Science Programs position opened, it was incredibly exciting to have the chance to serve as the connector between donors, researchers, and other key constituents in the pursuit of finding cures, treatments, and preventive strategies for vision diseases such as AMD and glaucoma. BrightFocus Foundation’s mission really resonated with me because the research that we fund is high-risk, high-reward research that focuses on providing tangible impact to patients and loved ones affected by AMD and glaucoma. I am very fortunate to work every day with world-renowned scientists, passionate donors, and dedicated BrightFocus staff who are all incredibly driven to defeat and provide resources for macular degeneration, glaucoma, and Alzheimer’s disease.

What do you see as the most promising opportunities in glaucoma and macular degeneration research today?

There is a lot of promising basic and translational research being conducted for glaucoma and macular degeneration, which will support future treatments for these vision diseases. The interplay between basic research (e.g., discovering the pathways and mechanisms of the disease) and translational research (e.g., discovering new methods for treating diseases) is important to find diverse and efficacious methods for treating patients.

In the glaucoma space, researchers are studying ways to regenerate the optic nerve, the cells that connect the brain and eye, which become damaged when someone develops glaucoma. Several innovative technologies also help administer drugs that reduce eye pressure without the need for daily eye drops.

In the macular degeneration space, treatments such as gene therapy, light therapy, and therapies that enhance previously approved treatments are being actively studied in clinical trials across the world. Another exciting opportunity in the research pipeline is the use of stem cells to replace old diseased cells in your eye. Overall, vision scientists are pushing the boundaries of science daily, turning discoveries into new treatments that will bring hope to patients worldwide.

How does donor support make a difference in moving vision research forward?

Donor support makes an incredible impact in advancing vision research. The recent threats to federal funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) highlights the importance BrightFocus Foundation has in not only funding innovative research but also sustaining the pipeline of scientists for future generations. With the generous support of our donors, scientists around the world can continue to make impactful discoveries and work towards treatments and cures for vision diseases like AMD and glaucoma.

BrightFocus Foundation recently announced its newest Macular Degeneration Research and National Glaucoma Research grantees! Find out more here.