And how can innovative biomaterials contribute to new therapeutic approaches? A three-part lecture series at the Department Life, Light & Matter (LL&M) brings together biomechanics, biomedical engineering and ophthalmology.
Prof. Matthew Reilly from The Ohio State University is currently a guest at the University of Rostock as a Mare Balticum Fellow. Reilly is Associate Professor of Biomedical Engineering and Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences and an internationally recognized researcher in ocular biomechanics.
His three-month research stay in Rostock builds on a long-standing collaboration with researchers at the University of Rostock. Previous research visits in 2009 and 2012 already resulted in joint scientific work. During his current stay, the collaboration focuses particularly on the biomechanical characterization of the cornea and crystalline lens using advanced optical imaging and biomechanical modelling.
As part of his fellowship, Matthew Reilly and Katelyn Swindle-Reilly will present a three-part lecture series addressing current research at the interface of engineering, physics, biomaterials and ophthalmology.
October 7, 2026 | 1:00 p.m.
Ocular Biomechanics: Accommodation and Presbyopia
Matthew Reilly, Ph.D.
Why does virtually everyone lose the ability to focus clearly on nearby objects with age? The first lecture explores the optomechanics of accommodation and presbyopia. Reilly will present how experimental instrumentation, finite element analysis and theoretical approaches can be combined to investigate the mechanisms underlying the age-related loss of near vision.
October 14, 2026 | 1:00 p.m.
Ocular Biomechanics: Integration of the Whole Eye and Orbit
Matthew Reilly, Ph.D.
The second lecture expands the perspective to the eye and orbit as an integrated biomechanical system. Topics include corneal biomechanics, keratoconus and glaucoma as well as ocular trauma and traumatic optic neuropathy. Reilly will also discuss spaceflight-associated neuro-ocular syndrome (SANS) and how computational models can help explain ocular changes associated with spaceflight.
November 4, 2026 | 1:00 p.m.
Ocular Biomaterials: Functional Prosthesis and Drug Delivery in the Eye
Katelyn Swindle-Reilly, Ph.D.
The final lecture focuses on the development and application of biomaterials in ophthalmology. Topics include hydrogel-based vitreous substitutes following retinal detachment, innovative approaches to ocular drug delivery and controlled release, and biomaterial-based strategies for improving corneal wound healing and preventing posterior capsular opacification.
The lecture series illustrates how experimental, theoretical and computational approaches can be combined to understand the complex relationship between the optical function, biological structure and mechanical properties of the eye – and how this knowledge can contribute to the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.
Venue:
Department Life, Light & Matter (LL&M)
Seminar Room 110
Albert-Einstein-Straße 25
18059 Rostock
All interested researchers, doctoral candidates and students are warmly invited to attend. The lectures will be held in English.