Research profile

The MRC Human Genetics Unit discovers how changes in our DNA impact our lives.

Research excellence

We combine the latest computational and experimental technologies to investigate how our genomes work to control the function of molecules, cells and tissues in people and populations.

For more than half a century our research has been dedicated to understanding human genetic disease.

Today we continue to apply our clinical and scientific expertise, harnessing the power of complex data, to improve health, and the lives of patients and their families.

As well as delivering outstanding research, the institute creates a vibrant scientific community and a friendly research environment rich in both scientific and social opportunities.

What will I learn?

Our PhD and MSc programmes harness strengths in different research disciplines: genetics; molecular biology; biochemistry cell biology

These are tied to our scientific themes: disease mechanisms; biomedical genomics; genome regulation

Our programmes also provides a strong focus on computational biology, and state of the art imaging as part of the Edinburgh Super-Resolution Imaging Consortium.

Over 30 principal investigators based in the MRC HGU contribute to these cross-disciplinary programmes spanning fundamental to clinical research.