Cristina Martinez

Cristina is a Research Associate at the Clinical Ophthalmology Research Group, University of Oxford, specializing in gene therapy for inherited retinal diseases. During her PhD at the Health Research Institute La Fe Hospital in Valencia, Spain, she developed an ex vivo retinal degeneration model using porcine and human retina to investigate the molecular mechanisms of retinitis pigmentosa, focusing on oxidative stress, inflammation, and cell death pathways. She also explored anti-inflammatory therapies, including monoclonal antibodies, to assess their potential in slowing retinal degeneration.

As a postdoc, Cristina has led preclinical retinal gene therapy studies using AAV vectors for gene replacement and silencing in both autosomal recessive and dominant retinal diseases. She has also contributed to the development of potency assays for gene therapy vectors and played a role in regulatory submissions for gene therapy clinical trials.

In addition to her research, Cristina serves as the Biological Safety Officer at Oxford University Hospitals NHS, overseeing retinal gene therapy studies. In this role, she ensures compliance with biosafety regulations, conducts risk assessments for gene and cell therapy projects, and supports the safe implementation of clinical trials involving gene therapy.

Cristina has authored high-impact publications, a patent, and has secured research funding from both private and public sources. She has received prestigious awards, such as The Ruskell Medal, which recognizes significant contributions to ophthalmology and vision science, particularly in the prevention of unnecessary blindness. Cristina has extensive experience working in multidisciplinary teams within academia and in collaboration with biotech companies.