Genomics England has appointed a new chief scientific officer.
Professor Matt Brown, professor of medicine at King's College London and director of the National Institute of Health Research Guy's and St Thomas' Biomedical Research Centre in London, has been selected as the new chief scientific officer at Genomics England. He will replace Professor Sir Mark Caulfield, who left the role in July to take up a post as chief executive of Barts Life Sciences in London.
Professor Brown said: 'I'm thrilled to be joining this iconic organisation and working with its outstanding staff to deliver on the amazing promise genomics has to improve diagnosis and management of a huge swathe of human diseases.'
Genomics England has advanced genomics research across England. Since its creation in 2013, it has completed the 100,000 Genomes Project and has implemented a plan for the NHS to deliver world-leading genomic healthcare (see BioNews 1096). Professor Brown will take up the position in November and continue Genomics England's work of advancing genomics research within healthcare.
Professor Brown has a strong background in genomics, with a particular interest in ankylosing spondylitis, rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis. He contributed to the development of gene-mapping approaches in human diseases and genome-wide association studies methodology. This work led to the discovery of thousands of genetic variants.
Additionally, within Professor Brown's work on rare human diseases, he has identified the genes responsible for certain monogenic conditions, such as arthritis, ectopic bone development (the laying down of new bone material where bones are not required) and skeletal dysplasias (characterised by abnormalities of cartilage and bone growth).
'Matt's blend of research and healthcare experience makes him the ideal individual to continue Genomics England's crucial work with partners across the UK to ensure we maximise the possible benefits of genomic research and healthcare,' said Baroness Nicola Blackwood, chair of Genomics England.
Furthermore, Professor Brown established and directed the Australian Translational Genomic Centre in Brisbane, one of Australia's largest personalised cancer medicine genomic services – work that aligns with Genomics England's goals.
'We're delighted Professor Matt Brown has accepted this position providing the benefit of his scientific expertise, leadership, and knowledge of the research landscape. Genomics England's vision is a world in which everyone has access to the benefits of genomics healthcare, and Matt can help us deliver on that vision.' added Chris Wigley, CEO of Genomics England.
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