Rapid technological advances following the sequencing of the human genome have enabled large scale analysis of genetic variation, structure and function at an affordable cost. Researchers are now able to accurately read genetic sequences of many individuals with the high resolution and statistical power necessary to find which genes are linked to disease. However, for many genetic disorders, and for most complex diseases, the specific way in which altered genes or inappropriate gene expression causes disease is not yet known.

Founded by the UCSD School of Medicine and the UCSD Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, the UCSD Institute for Genomic Medicine is a center of excellence for organizing the multi-disciplinary resources necessary to effectively translate the discoveries of genetic and genomic research from "bench to bedside". The IGM aims to link clinical and genomic information to facilitate personalized health care. By combining UCSD's expertise in Genetics, Disease Biology, and Clinical Practice with its strengths in Computer Science, Bioinformatics, and Systems Biology, the IGM is uniquely positioned to support all activities along the continuum of genomic medicine.