From deciphering underlying genetic factors of diseases to developing cutting-edge genome technology, our scientists are making impactful discoveries everyday.
Strength in Genetics and Genomics Research
The Department of Genetics has traditional strengths in computational biology and genome science, as well as model organism, evolutionary and human genetics. Recent specialties include neurological disorders, cellular bioenergetics, epigenomics, personalized medicine and genome technology development.
We have established leadership in the following flagship NIH genomic medicine themed projects:
- The Human Pangenome Project (NHGRI)
- The Impact of Genetic Variation on Function (NHGRI)
- The Long Life Family Study (NIA)
- Somatic Mosaicism across Human Tissues (NIH Common Fund)
- Multi-Omics for Health and Disease (NHGRI, NCI, NIEHS)
- The BRAIN (The Brain Research through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies) Initiative Cell Atlas Network (NIMH)
Within the close-knit research community of Washington University School of Medicine, our scientists are supported by a strong foundation. School of Medicine Facts & Figures
| #2 NIH Funding (2023) | $838.3 Million Research Funding 2022 | 19 Nobel Laureates |
Latest News
Undergraduate researcher Vikram Karra awarded Goldwater Scholarship (Links to an external site)
Vikram Karra, an undergraduate researcher in the Tristan Li lab has been awarded the prestigious Goldwater Scholarship. Karra, who is studying neuroscience in the biology major in Arts & Sciences, aims to be a physician-scientist advancing neuroscience research and translating discoveries into therapies for neurodegenerative disease. He plans to enroll in a MD/PhD program to develop his skills as a clinician while also advancing his research on the molecular mechanisms behind neurodegeneration.
Congratulations to the 2026 Dean’s Impact Award Recipient, Dr. Michael Province (Links to an external site)
The 2026 Dean’s Impact Award focuses on “Honoring the Focused Excellence of Exemplary Clinicians and Researchers.”
Recipients of the Dean’s Impact Awards represent the compassion, innovation, and commitment required to build dynamic, meaningful, and community-focused efforts to improve clinical care, education, and research. Congratulations to Dr. Michael Province on receiving this honor!
WashU Medicine Genetics Ranks No. 5 in NIH Funding for 2025
The Department of Genetics at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis has been ranked No. 5 in the nation for NIH funding in 2025, according to the latest report from the Blue Ridge Institute for Medical Research. The achievement places WashU Medicine’s genetics department among the nation’s most well-funded hubs of genetic discovery, ahead of many prestigious research institutions.
