Sir Peter Donnelly FMedSci FRS

Peter Donnelly is developing and applying statistics and probability theory to understand how the human genetic code evolves and to identify what makes some people prone to certain diseases. As an expert on DNA, Peter has also extensively commented on how DNA evidence is misunderstood in criminal court cases and advised on best practice.

He has led collaborations of hundreds of scientists in analysing DNA from thousands of people. He has also made major contributions to similar international studies, including the Human Genome and HapMap projects. In addition, Peter has conducted related research into recombination — how genes from each parent ‘mix and match’ as they are passed on to their offspring.

Peter’s important work is highly regarded around the world. Amongst his many awards are the Mitchell Prize of the American Statistical Association, the Guy Medal in Silver of the Royal Statistical Society and the 2008 Weldon Memorial Prize.

Professional position

  • Chief Executive Officer, Genomics plc

Subject groups

  • Mathematics

    Statistics and Operational Research

  • Patterns in Populations

    Population genetics

Awards

  • Gabor Medal

    For pioneering work in the genomic revolution in human disease research, transforming the understanding of meiotic recombination, and for developing new statistical methods.

Sir Peter Donnelly FMedSci FRS
Elected 2006
Committees Participated Role
Machine Learning Working Group November 2015 - December 2025 Chair
Machine Learning Working Group November 2015 - December 2017 Chair
Council December 2010 - November 2012 Member
Armourers & Brasiers' Company Prize Committee December 2010 - December 2011 Member
Sectional Committee 9: Patterns in populations December 2006 - November 2010 Chair