Josy Augustine

My research interests are focused on examining the role of mRNA localisation in retinal neovascular diseases.  In addition, I am also undertaking pre-clinical evaluation of novel drugs and oligonucleotide therapeutics for the treatment of retinal neurodegeneration, inflammation and vascular dysfunction using both in vivo and in vitro models. 

Research Focus

In my current postdoctoral research, I am exploring the role of mRNA localisation in endothelial cells and investigating the potential of mRNA mislocalisation as a therapeutic target in endothelial cells to control undesired blood vessel formation in murine models of retinal neovascularisation.

My previous postdoctoral research explored the role of lipoxidation in the diabetic retina with special focus on neurodegeneration and vascular dysfunction. I also investigated novel treatments for Diabetic retinopathy by gene therapy and novel compounds using in vivo and in vitro functional techniques.

During my PhD, I examined the role of Interleukin-33 (IL-33) and inflammation in Müller cells, and the role it plays in the pathogenesis of retinal degenerative diseases using in vivo models and in vitro models. My PhD titled "The Role of Interleukin-33 in retinal degenerative diseases" was submitted in 2019. 

Prior to my PhD, I completed a MSc in Biomedical Science from Ulster University, UK with an integrated work experience as a Research Scholar in Eugene and Marilyn Glick Eye Institute, Indiana, USA. 

I am a member of the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) since 2017 and Diabetes UK professional member since 2020.

Teaching

Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (AFHEA), UK

MB Medicine - Foundations in Ophthalmology and Visual Science

MSc Experimental Medicine - SCM8146

BSc Biomedical Science - BMS3112

Achievements

2025 MRC IAA – Early Career Translational Fellowship (ECTF) 

2024 ARVO Science Communication Fellowship

2023 QUB North America Research Mobility Fund

2022 EMBO Scientific Exchange Grant

2021 Staff Recognition (STAR) Award, Queen's University, Belfast, UK 

2020 Assistant Supervisor of PhD, Master's & Undergraduate students

2019 PhD in Medicine, Queen's University, Belfast, UK

2018 ARVO Annual Meeting International Travel Grant

2015 MSc in Biomedical Sciences, Ulster University, UK

2012 Santander Open Undergraduate Scholarship, Ulster University, UK