International Graduate School of Neuroscience

Research Interests

Prof. Dr. Stephanie Joachim is the head of the Experimental Eye Research Institute (EERI), at the Department of Ophthalmology at the medical faculty, Ruhr-University Bochum.

The department engages in teaching of life science students (Bachelor, Master, PhD).

Our lab conducts clinical and experimental research in ophthalmology, focusing on neurodegenerative diseases of the retina and optic nerve, including glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, and retinal ischemia, as well as ocular manifestations of systemic diseases like multiple sclerosis and neuromyelitis optica. In addition, we study tear film stability and corneal health through clinical research.

Using in vivo and in vitro models, such as glaucoma models, ischemia/reperfusion models, age-related macular degeneration models, and corneal models, we investigate the immunological mechanisms driving cell death and neurodegeneration. By understanding the role of glial cells, complement factors, and inflammatory processes, our research aims to uncover key disease mechanisms and develop new strategies to protect the retina, optic nerve, and ocular surface, paving the way for future therapeutic approaches.