Established in 1652, the Leopoldina is the world’s oldest continuously existing academy of natural sciences. As Germany’s National Academy, it provides independent, science-based advice on global challenges. Election is a prestigious honor reserved for researchers who have made exceptional, globally recognized contributions to their fields.

Botond Roska is the Director of Science at IOB and leads the Human Retinal and Central Visual Circuits Group. His research focuses on understanding vision and its diseases and on developing new therapies for the visually impaired. His group developed the technology for cell type-targeted optogenetic vision restoration and for cell type-targeted mitochondrial therapy. It is currently developing new therapeutic approaches for major eye diseases such as age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, and myopia.

This prestigious distinction underscores the scientific excellence and translational impact of his work in moving laboratory breakthroughs toward clinical applications for those suffering from vision impairment.