GRK 2610:  Innovative Retinal interfaces for optimized Artificial Vision - InnoRetVision

• Subject Area: Electrical Engineering and Information Technology ; Neurosciences ; Systems Engineering
• Term: since 2021
• Website: Homepage
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 424556709

Previous work shows that implantable retinal stimulators can restore simple visual functions in blind patients. However, the functional results did not meet the expectations. The applicants believe that this can be explained by both limitations in the technology and by the biology of the disease. The applicants are convinced that a better understanding of the mecha-nisms of degeneration in the visual system and the use of innovative approaches in different technology fields can significantly contribute to improve such systems. Particularly through an intensive interdisciplinary approach in research and graduate education, the applicants will achieve substantial improvements in the long term and sustainabilitly for the blind. The research program is divided into three working fields. Working field A focusses on the development and realization of new stimulation base structures and on new electrodes with innovative materials. In working field B, fundamental work is carried out in order to be able to control and activate large numbers of high-density electrodes. One of the goals is the realization of hybrid stimulators, which in addition to pure electrical stimulation, can also deliver neuropharma-ceuticals into the tissue in order to optimize stimulation and influence the degradation. Working field C carries out the biomedical work. This involves the elucidation of degeneration mechanisms in the retina and the higher centers of the visual system as well as new less invasive implantation techniques. The research program is accompanied by a highly interdisciplinary training concept. Since technical systems for bridging the gap are used and will be used more in the future in many organ systems, especially in the case of non-feasible replacement concepts, we are convinced that engineers and scientists must be further qualified both in biology and medical-related translational technology development. Although Master's degree programs in medical technology or biomedical engineering provide initial insights into the development and operation of such complex systems, they are not enough to train the experts who can advance the field of medical technologies for the next decades. The RTG InnoRetVision combines an expertise to a width not found in traditional training programs to educate these experts. The RTG is focused on the development of retinal implants, however, the improvement of technical processes can also be transferred to other neuroimplant systems.

• DFG Programme: Research Training Groups
• Applicant Institution: Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule Aachen
• Co-Applicant Institution: Universität Duisburg-Essen
• Participating Institution: Forschungszentrum Jülich
• Participating Researchers: Professor Dr. Sven Ingebrandt; Privatdozentin Dr. Sandra Johnen; Professor Björn Michael Kampa; Professor Dr. Joachim Knoch; Professor Dr.-Ing. Rainer Kokozinski; Dr.-Ing. Florian Merget; Professorin Dr.-Ing. Dorit Merhof, from 4/2021 until 7/2023; Professor Dr. Wilfried Mokwa; Professor Dr. Frank Müller; Professor Dr. Andreas Offenhäusser; Professor Dr.-Ing. Karsten Seidl; Professor Dr.-Ing. Johannes Stegmaier, since 7/2023; Dr. Antje Willuweit; Professor Dr. Jeremy Witzens
• Spokesperson: Professor Dr. Peter Walter