Arvydas Maminishkis Ph.D., M.D.

Dr. Arvydas Maminishkis graduated from Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University in Moscow in 1993, obtaining dual degrees in Biophysics and Medicine. Expanding his expertise in immunology, Dr. Maminishkis earned a Ph.D. from the Institute of Immunology at Vilnius University before embarking on postdoctoral research at UC Berkeley in California under Professor Sheldon Miller. His roles evolved from Assistant Specialist to Assistant Research Scientist at UC Berkeley, making significant contributions to RPE physiology and retinal cell biology.

In 2003, Dr. Maminishkis joined the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in Bethesda, MD, serving as a Staff Scientist for seventeen years. His dedication and accomplishments led to his appointment as the Director of Translational Research Core at the Ophthalmic Genetics and Visual Function Branch (OGVBF), National Eye Institute (NEI), NIH, concurrently holding the position of Senior Staff Scientist.

Recipient of multiple Director's Awards from the NEI, NIH, Dr. Maminishkis is recognized for his contributions to RPE cell therapy, IT support, and stem cell research. He holds patents for innovations in ocular tissue transplantation tools and methods for generating retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells.

Beyond individual achievements, Dr. Maminishkis actively contributed to the scientific community, participating in institute-wide committees and working groups. His roles encompassed emergency response, scientific information advisory committees, and initiatives implementing new IT technologies while optimizing maintenance agreements for precision instruments. Dr. Maminishkis remains committed to advancing the field of RPE physiology and translational research.

Our research pursuits are multifaceted, with a central goal of advancing our understanding of RPE (Retinal Pigment Epithelium) physiology. One of the research goals is to focus on simplifying and enhancing complex electrophysiology techniques, aiming to broaden accessibility for the wider research community and pharmaceutical industry. By making these techniques more approachable, we aspire to facilitate breakthroughs in the study of degenerative diseases, compelling us to generate novel animal models that can significantly advance our comprehension of such conditions.

In the realm of surgical innovation, we are committed to the creation and refinement of surgical instruments, developing cutting-edge techniques to enhance the precision and efficacy of RPE transplantation. Our efforts extend to adapting basic research protocols to meet translational requirements, ensuring that foundational scientific insights seamlessly transition into clinical applications. Embracing the latest technology, we seek to optimize and integrate it into our research endeavors, pushing the boundaries of what is achievable in RPE-related studies.

Our commitment goes beyond discovery; we are dedicated to the dissemination of new findings to the wider scientific community, fostering collaboration and collective progress. Additionally, we place emphasis on optimizing RPE primary cultures, enhancing their reliability and utility for various applications. Through these concerted efforts, we aim not only to contribute to the scientific understanding of RPE function but also to provide practical tools and knowledge that can be harnessed by researchers and practitioners across diverse domains.