FRCRnet, first national academic network dedicated to clinical research in ophthalmology, brings together retina experts to advance clinical research and innovation in ophthalmology.
About us
FRCRnet (French Retinal Clinical Research Network) is the national clinical research network in ophthalmology, specialising in retinal diseases. Created in 2017 and accredited in 2018 by F-CRIN (French Clinical Research Infrastructure Network), it unites ophthalmologists, researchers and recognised partners, united by a desire to better understand, prevent and treat retinal diseases.
The network relies on multidisciplinary collaborations and the expertise of clinical centres and cutting-edge technology platforms, particularly in high-resolution imaging and epidemiology. FRCRnet brings together 16 research centres organised around 3 fundamental themes.
FRCRnet, France's first ANR-certified clinical research network in ophthalmology, was certified as a ‘network of excellence’ by F-CRIN (French Clinical Research Infrasructure Network) on 1 September 2018. F-CRIN's mission is to enhance the visibility and competitiveness of French clinical research, whether academic or industrial, at European and international level.
At the European level, F-CRIN is affiliated with ECRIN (European Clinical Research Infrastructure Network), a non-profit organisation that facilitates the preparation and implementation of complex multinational clinical trials in Europe.
Our missions
- Developing a national collaborative organization for clinical research on retinal diseases.
- Identifying clinical or imaging biomarkers useful for diagnosis and monitoring.
- Validating innovative diagnostic and therapeutic methods, particularly through artificial intelligence and national databases.
- Leveraging real-world data (big data, registries) to better assess healthcare outcomes.
- Contributing to the medico-economic evaluation of treatments and the improvement of care pathways.
- Standardizing clinical practices and encourage the training of investigators and technicians.
- Promoting French academic research internationally and enhancing its attractiveness.
FRCRnet conducts, in particular:
- Multicenter trials: The TalaDME study on targeted laser photocoagulation for diabetic macular edema.
- Cross-disciplinary projects in high-resolution retinal imaging related to neurology and hypertension.
- Development of AI algorithms for the detection and treatment of retinal diseases.
- Exploitation of big health data (epidemiological cohorts, real-world data registries).
Organisation and governance
FRCRnet, founded in November 2017 under the coordination of Professor Michel PAQUES, and co-coordinated with Professor Catherine CREUZOT-GARCHET, is now coordinated by Professor Marie-Noelle DELYFER.
Management Board
- Professor Marie-Noëlle DELYFER
- Professor Michel PAQUES
- Professor Catherine CREUZOT-GARCHET
- Professor Aude COUTURIER
- Dr. Bénédicte DUPAS
- Dr. Cécile DELCOURT
