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The Center for Translational Vision Research Distinguished Speaker Series, also known as "Friday Seminars" showcases innovative research across the world. The seminar series has now been expanded to include lectures by experts on topics ranging from Ophthalmology, Genetics, Biochemistry, Neurobiology, Imaging, Computational Sciences to Novel Ophthalmic Treatments.
All talks are hybrid. You can join us in person at
You can also join us by zoom. Zoom link and information are on your right and in the calendar links above.
Learn More About the Distinguished Speaker Series
Dr. Douglas Forrest is a senior investigator and Section Chief of the Nuclear Receptor Biology Section in the Laboratory of Endocrinology and Receptor Biology at NIDDK, NIH. His research focuses on elucidating how thyroid hormone receptors (particularly T3-binding nuclear receptors) and deiodinase enzymes regulate development and homeostasis across tissues—especially in the nervous and sensory systems. Using genetic mouse models, his team explores mechanisms underlying thyroid hormone’s role in neurodevelopment (e.g., cochlear and retinal maturation), and how tissue-specific receptor isoforms—such as the THRB variant in photoreceptors—control cone differentiation and survival. Their work also extends to orphan nuclear receptors like retinoid-related orphan receptors. Through uncovering tissue-specific regulation of thyroid hormone, Dr. Forrest aims to better understand congenital and adult-onset thyroid disorders and pave the way for targeted therapeutic strategies. He joined the NIDDK intramural research program as a senior investigator in 2004, after serving as Associate Professor of Human Genetics at Mount Sinai (1995–2004). He earned his Ph.D. from Glasgow University in 1987.