New statistical genetics unit based at Institute of Psychiatry
JULY 17, 2007
New Statistical Genetics Unit is being launched at the Institute of Psychiatry King’s College London, bringing together researchers in the MRC Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry and the Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, School of Medicine. The Unit, to be led by Professor Cathryn Lewis, forms a critical mass of researchers in this expanding multi-disciplinary field, and will be consolidated by two new academic posts. The Unit will develop novel statistical methodology for genetic studies, and collaborate closely with molecular and clinical colleagues on research projects to localise genes that contribute to human diseases and behavioural traits.
This exciting initiative strengthens the link between the School of Medicine and Institute of Psychiatry, and will provide a rich resource for state-of-the-art statistical genetic research and for training much needed future researchers in this field.
'I am excited about our new Statistical Genetics Unit because it brings together the expertise in the MMG and SGDP under the leadership of Cathryn Lewis and augmented substantially with two new academic appointments that increase the breadth and depth of expertise. The statistical genetic issues involved in localising genes for common disorders and complex traits are very similar for medicine and psychiatry so it makes sense to merge our strengths in statistical genetics to create a world-class group at the cutting edge of the field.'
Professor Robert Plomin, SGDP Centre Director
'This development has allowed us to make two new appointments in statistical genetics, and to create a critical mass of excellent researchers at a time when these skills and interests are absolutely essential to deal with the data coming from the whole genome association studies, recently the subject of much publicity. We are very pleased to be at the forefront of some of these studies and will now be able to keep well ahead of the field. This is an extremely pleasing development which we believe will flourish under the capable leadership of Cathryn Lewis.'
Professor Ellen Solomon, Head of Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics