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Fellows Directory

Peter Donnelly

Peter Donnelly

Sir Peter Donnelly FMedSci FRS

Fellow


Elected: 2006

Biography

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 positions

Chief Executive Officer, Genomics plc

Interest and expertise

Subject groups

  • Mathematics
    • Statistics and Operational Research
  • Organismal biology, evolution and ecology
    • 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.

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