Sept. 19th, 2024 – On the first day of the EURETINA Congress in Barcelona, Prof. Anat Loewenstein, President of EURETINA was delighted to announce the inaugural Ramin Tadayoni Award to Dr. Andrea Govetto based in Milan, Italy. The Ramin Tadayoni Award aims to honour the legacy of Professor Ramin Tadayoni by recognising and supporting outstanding post-graduate scholars in the field of retina research. This first award was presented to Dr. Govetto at the Oftalmico-Fatebenefratelli Hospital where his research is focused on understanding retinal pathologies, including the vitreoretinal interface and retinal detachment. Dr. Govetto’s work is on the pathophysiology of lamellar macular holes and epiretinal membrane traction and previously completed his ophthalmology specialization in Spain, along with clinical and surgical fellowships in the United States and the United Kingdom.
Prof. Ramin Tadayoni served as the President of EURETINA, the European Society of Retina Specialists and the Retina Department Chairman of Rothschild Foundation Hospital, including the French Myopia Institute. In addition, he was also Chief of the Department for Lariboisière university hospitals and Saint-Louis hospital and Professor of Ophthalmology at University Paris-Cité. Prof. Tadayoni was a Principal Investigator in numerous trials and served as an advisor for companies in the ophthalmology space for over two decades, including his role as Chair of the Oculis’ Retina Scientific Advisory Board. He was a passionate physician and researcher, authoring over 320 medical and scientific articles and making numerous contributions to ophthalmology textbooks. He was the recipient of numerous awards, including the American Academy of Ophthalmology Achievement Award and the prestigious Jules Gonin Award from the Retina Research Foundation. Dr. Tadayoni completed his medical degree and internship at Paris V University. His retina fellowship was completed at Lariboisière University Hospital while simultaneously pursuing his Ph.D. in Science at Paris VII University and the Paris Vision Institute.
According to Dr. Anat Loewenstein, EURETINA “received over 50 highly competitive submissions. Dr. Govetto’s innovative research on fluid flow and retinal tissue deformation is a fitting tribute to Prof. Tadayoni’s legacy. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to him”. The initiative from EURETINA provides an annual award of €30,000 (including an additional €5,000 for the candidate) seeks to encourage innovative research with the potential to significantly advance the understanding and treatment of retinal diseases. The award was kindly supported by Oculis, previously highlighted by the company’s Chief Executive, and their board. Earlier, Riad Sherif M.D., Chief Executive Officer of Oculis commented that, “Prof. Ramin Tadayoni was an exceptional friend and a highly accomplished and world-renowned retina specialist that, as an advisor, played a key part in Oculis progress since its inception, and most recently as its Chief Scientific Officer. He was truly a luminary in the field of ophthalmology and, in addition to his scientific achievements, he is remembered for his kindness, mentorship and unwavering commitment to advancing the field and bettering patients’ lives. Prof. Tadayoni has left behind a profound legacy and we are very pleased that this award will carry forward his dedication to high quality research in the field of retina, to education, and to patients suffering from blinding diseases”.