Professor Matthew Hurles FMedSci FRS

Matthew Hurles is a human geneticist fascinated by the causes and consequences of new mutations as DNA is passed from one generation to the next. He is best known for his work on characterizing the extent and impact of structural variation in the human genome and on deciphering the genetic architecture of severe neurodevelopmental disorders.

Matt’s group has used large-scale genomic studies to highlight the predominant role that new mutations of many different types play in causing diverse developmental disorders and has lead to the discovery of tens of previously unrecognised genetic diseases.

Matt trained in Biochemistry at the University of Oxford and obtained his PhD in Genetics from the University of Leicester. Matt is Head of Human Genetics at the Wellcome Sanger Institute, and honorary professor of Human Genetics and Genomics at the University of Cambridge. Matt is a Fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences and gave the Francis Crick Lecture at the Royal Society in 2013.

Professional position

  • Senior Group Leader, Wellcome Sanger Institute, University of Cambridge

Subject groups

  • Health and Human Sciences

    Molecular medicine

  • Other

    Science policy, Other interests

  • Patterns in Populations

    Population genetics

Awards

  • Francis Crick Medal and Lecture

    Mutations: great and small