2021 MMS Strategic Grants for Outstanding Women

Congratulations to Associate Professor Lauren Ayton who is the recipient of a 2021 MMS Strategic Grants for Outstanding Women.

This year MMS received an unprecedented number of excellent applications from a diverse range of outstanding women. A rigorous assessment process was undertaken to complete the difficult task of selecting ten successful applicants from such an extensive and exceptional pool of candidates. As a result, we are thrilled to announce that Associate Professor Lauren Ayton, from the Department of Surgery, was one of the 2021 recipients of this competitive award.

Associate Professor Lauren Ayton is a clinical researcher in the Department of Surgery (Ophthalmology), who heads a team investigating inherited retinal diseases (IRDs). IRDs are the most common cause of blindness in working-aged Australians. She has a strong interest in vision restoration, retinal pathology and clinical assessment of visual performance.

Associate Professor Ayton’s team works closely with surgeons and scientists at the Centre for Eye Research Australia and the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital to develop and assess new IRD treatments, such as gene therapy.

The grant will enable Associate Professor Ayton to hire a genetic counsellor, who will assist in the delivery of results to research participants. The grant will also support future genetics training for her team and opportunities to further develop leadership skills.

The Department of Surgery is thrilled for Associate Professor Ayton and congratulates her on this achievement.

You can read more about the scheme and the other 2021 recipients via the MMS webpage.