The Tear Research Network (TRN)
launched in May 2022, by dr. Marlies Gijs (University Eye Clinic Maastricht, the Netherlands), is a global community bringing together clinicians, researchers and industry partners passionate about understanding tear fluid.
Our mission
The mission of the Tear Research Network is to standardize and harmonize tear fluid research, education and development. Only through these efforts can tear fluid biomarkers be effectively integrated into clinical practice, ultimately improving diagnostics and patient care.
Global ambassadors
- Europe: Dr. Marlies Gijs
- USA: Dr. Shruti Sharma
- Latin America: Dr. Marcela Huertas-Bello
- India: Dr. Swaminathan Sethu
- Australia: Dr. Maria Markoulli
Scientific advisors
- USA: Prof. dr. Penny Asbell
- Netherlands: Prof. dr. Rudy Nuijts
- Sweden: Prof. dr. Gysbert van Setten
- USA: Dr. Mike Stern
- France: Prof. dr. Christophe Baudouin
- India: Prof. dr. Rohit Shetty
Task forces
The Tear Research Network Taskforces are dedicated to the standardization and harmonization of tear fluid research. These expert groups work collaboratively to discuss challenges, brainstorm solutions, and collect evidence from both the literature and new experiments. Their goal is to establish guidelines and standardize methodologies and best practices that enhance reproducibility and comparability across studies.
Interest groups
The Tear Research Network Interest Groups bring together researchers, clinicians, and experts with shared interests in specific areas of tear fluid research. These groups serve as platforms for collaboration, knowledge exchange, and brainstorming, fostering new insights into the diverse roles of tear fluid in health and disease.
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Meet-up at ARVO2024, Seattle, USA
Meetings
- General online meetings for all members are scheduled on an ad hoc basis to facilitate discussions and updates as needed.
- Meet-ups (drinks) are organized at major conferences, such as ARVO and EVER, to foster collaboration and engagement among members.
- Taskforces meet several times per year in online sessions, where members share insights, review findings, and develop guidelines and joint publications to drive progress in tear fluid biomarker research.
- Interest groups meet several times per year in online sessions, where invited speakers present their latest findings and innovations. These meetings provide opportunities to discuss challenges, explore new research directions, and develop collaborative projects.
News and updates
Members will receive regular newsletters and updates on ongoing research and developments. These updates celebrate successes, highlight key achievements, and provide opportunities to get involved. Whether it’s a call for collaboration, a request to complete surveys, or an invitation to join task forces and Special Interest Groups (SIGs), staying connected ensures you’re always engaged with the latest in tear fluid research.
In collaboration with
Become a valuable member of our Network!
Connect, collaborate and make an impact by joining our network today.
