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 (2024) | $683 Million Research Funding 2024 | 19 Nobel Laureates |
Latest News
Assistant Professor of Genetics Brett Maricque Receives 2025 Dean’s Impact Award (Links to an external site)
Congratulations to Dr. Brett Maricque for receiving the 2025 Dean’s Impact Award.
Seven WashU faculty elected to AAAS (Links to an external site)
Seven faculty members at Washington University in St. Louis are among the 471 new fellows selected by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), one of the most distinct honors in the scientific community. Congratulations to Dr. Tim Schedl on his election to AAAS.
Dr. Guoyan Zhao selected for the Hope Center Pilot Grant
Congratulations to Dr. Guoyan Zhao and co-investigator Dr. Hiroko Yano for being selected for the Hope Center Pilot Grant! The project “Identification and validation of drug candidates for repurposing in Huntington disease” will be funded in full $100,000 for the award period of January 1, 2025 – December 31, 2026!