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
WashU Medicine Department of Genetics Celebrates 50 Years of Innovation in Genomics
The Department of Genetics at Washington University School of Medicine marked a significant milestone on April 24th, 2025 with its 50th Anniversary Symposium, held at the Eric P. Newman Education Center and Moore Auditorium. The event brought together past and present faculty, students, and postdoctoral researchers to celebrate the department’s rich history and its ongoing contributions to the field of genetics and genomics.
Dr. Rob Mitra Inducted into the AIMBE College of Fellows
AIMBE Fellows represent the top 2% of medical and biological engineers. They include the most accomplished medical and biological engineers in academia, industry, education, clinical practice, and government. Congratulations to Dr. Rob Mitra for being inducted on March 31 in Arlington, Va. along with 169 other new fellows from across the United States.
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.