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.