Dr Arjuna Ratnayaka elected Fellow of the Anatomical Society

Dr Arjuna Ratnayaka has been elected as a Fellow of the Anatomical Society in recognition of his significant contributions to anatomical research, education and the wider scientific community.

This achievement reflects Arjuna’s longstanding commitment to advancing the understanding of retinal anatomy and disease (retinopathies), alongside his dedication to supporting the next generation of scientists.

Advancing understanding of retinal anatomy

Arjuna’s research focuses on retinal cell biology and neurodegeneration, exploring how the retina changes with age and in conditions such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), Sorsby fundus dystrophy and Stargardt disease.

Working closely with Dr Patricia Goggin from the Biomedical Imaging Unit, a core facility within Southampton Medical Research Services (SMRS), Arjuna produced the first three-dimensional reconstructions of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) using serial block-face scanning electron microscopy (SBF-SEM). Their work resulted in two high-impact publications that transformed the structural understanding of the outer retina, which is widely cited in the field [1] [2]. 

Supported by colleagues in the Biomedical Research Facility, the team also mapped structural changes in the retina using mouse models that mimic key features of AMD. Together, these studies have established an important foundation for future research into AMD and other retinal diseases, while deepening our understanding of the aetiology underpinning retinopathies.

Supporting the next generation of anatomists

Alongside his research achievements, Arjuna’s Fellowship of the Anatomical Society highlights his commitment to supporting and developing the next generation of scientists in Vision Science and Ophthalmology.

In partnership with Patricia, he secured funding through the Anatomical Society’s Undergraduate Summer Vacation Research Scholarship Programme in 2025. Through the scheme, Srishti Ramrakhiani, a student from the School of Biological Sciences, undertook a research project under their joint supervision and will present her findings at the Society’s Winter Meeting in Dublin.

The collaboration has continued beyond the scholarship programme. Arjuna and Patricia are now supervising BM project students in the BM5/6 Programme, involving the final cohort of BMedSci Neuroscience students, who are investigating the anatomy of the choroid, a layer of the eye that plays a key role in vision. The work is expected to contribute to future publications, further expanding the current understanding of how sight-loss develops in old age.

Reflecting on the award, Arjuna said: “I am honoured to be elected as a Fellow of the Anatomical Society, and look forward to advancing the current understanding of how sight-loss develops though impactful research and supporting the next generation of vision scientists”.