Professor and Clinical Director
School of Medicine and Public Health | Pediatrics Department
Hometown: India
Prof. Bikash Pattnaik is a Professor in the Departments of Pediatrics and Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where he leads a translational research program focused on the genetic and molecular mechanisms underlying inherited retinal diseases and rare channelopathies. His laboratory integrates genomics, human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) models, genome editing, and engineered RNA therapeutics to develop transformative treatments for currently untreatable forms of childhood blindness. Dr. Pattnaik’s research has advanced gene-agnostic therapeutic platforms, including engineered suppressor tRNA technologies, and has contributed to translating precision genetic medicines toward clinical application. He is an investigator at the McPherson Eye Research Institute and has received national and international recognition for his contributions to retinal biology, ion channel physiology, and therapeutic innovation. Through collaborations spanning basic science, clinical genetics, and biotechnology, he is committed to accelerating the development of accessible genetic therapies that improve the lives of patients with rare inherited diseases.
Talks:
From the Lab to the Clinic: Bringing Hope to Families Living with Rare Diseases
What if a tiny genetic mistake could take away a child’s sight—and what if we could one day fix it? In this engaging talk, Prof. Bikash Pattnaik from the University of Wisconsin–Madison will explore how advances in genetics, stem cells, and gene therapy are opening new possibilities for treating inherited forms of blindness that were once considered untreatable. Through stories of patients, scientific discoveries, and the remarkable journey from laboratory research to potential clinical therapies, he will explain how researchers are working to restore vision and improve lives. The talk will also highlight how Wisconsin scientists are helping lead the development of next-generation genetic medicines that may one day benefit thousands of families affected by rare diseases. Whether you have a personal connection to vision loss or are simply curious about the future of medicine, this presentation offers an inspiring glimpse into how today’s research is creating hope for tomorrow.