Professor Julian Sampson
Professor Julian Sampson is Head of the Institute of Medical Genetics at Cardiff University and also Head of the School of Medicine’s Department of Genetics, Haematology and Pathology.
The Institute of Medical Genetics promotes interdisciplinary research into the genetic basis of disease, and also teaches medical practitioners who will treat people affected by inherited disease. The Institute identified the genes linked a number of important inherited disorders and is undertaking some of the first drug treatment trials for inherited disorders to be developed as a result of genetic understanding. The Institute was awarded a Queen’s Anniversary Prize for excellence in Higher Education in 2007.
Professor Sampson is also Chairman of the Wales Gene Park, established by Cardiff University, with financial backing from the Welsh Assembly Government and in partnership with NHS Wales and the public science centre Techniquest. Its activities include identifying the genetic causes of disease, translating research into medical practice and commercial application, professional education and promoting public understanding of genetics.
The Institute will work with The European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute to use stem cell technology in the investigation of inherited disease and cancer.
Professor Sampson said: “We have a strong research track record in identifying the genes which predispose people to cancer. We hope to develop projects with the Research Institute’s scientists which will improve our understanding of the genetic mechanisms involved.”