29 July 2026
Associate Professor Holly Chinnery from the Lions Eye Institute and the University of Western Australia has been named a finalist for the Australian Museum Eureka Prize in the Innovative Use of Technology category. She is a member of a team who are one of three finalists recognised for groundbreaking work in dynamic corneal imaging.
Revolutionary technology captures immune cells in action
The research team, co-led by Associate Professor Chinnery and Professor Laura Downie from the University of Melbourne, has developed Functional In Vivo Confocal Microscopy (Fun-IVCM). This innovative high-resolution videography technology enables eye specialists to observe immune cells moving in real time within the living human cornea—something that was previously impossible. Their work led to the novel discovery of T lymphocytes in the healthy human cornea, changing long held views about the corneal immune system.
Immune cells captured within the living cornea using Fun-IVCM technology
“The cornea—the clear front surface of the eye—has long been difficult to examine in detail,” explains the research. “Fun-IVCM changes that. By capturing how immune cells behave as they move through the living cornea, we can now monitor immune system activity and evaluate how treatments work in ways we’ve never had access to before. This transforms our understanding of how the eye protects itself.”
The Eureka Prize for Innovative Use of Technology recognizes innovations that have led to significantly improved research outcomes. Fun-IVCM represents exactly this kind of breakthrough—a new application of existing technology that has opened entirely new doors for eye research and patient care. Award winners will be announced at a Gala event in Sydney on 3 September 2026.
Dr Glen Power, Managing Director of Lions Eye Institute, said: “This nomination reflects the exceptional work of Associate Professor Chinnery and her collaborators. Fun-IVCM is a perfect example of how innovation in technology can unlock insights that were previously hidden. We’re proud to support research that fundamentally changes how we understand and treat eye disease.”
Visit Australian Museum Eureka Prizes for more information.
