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.
IGM Director, Kelly A. Frazer, PhD
Faculty Spotlight
Elizabeth Winzeler
IGM Researcher Elected to the National Academy of SciencesElizabeth Winzeler, professor in the Department of Pediatrics at UC San Diego School of Medicine, and associate dean for research and innovation at UC San Diego Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, is an expert in drug development. Her lab studies how diseases interact with the human body, using data-intensive methods to find solutions, often by looking at how different chemicals affect infections and by analyzing the complete DNA of organisms. Author of more than 250 publications, Winzeler is also a member of the National Academy of Medicine and fellow of the American Academy of Microbiology. She has received numerous recognitions for her research including the Keck New Investigator Award and Ellison Medical Foundation New Scholars Award, Bailey K. Ashford Medal for distinguished achievements in tropical medicine, Alice and C.C. Wang Award in Molecular Parasitology and Project of the Year from the Medicines for Malaria Venture. For more than 20 years, the main focus of her research has centered on developing better medications for the treatment and eradication of malaria. She worked with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to establish and direct what has become the Malaria Drug Accelerator (MalariaDA.org), a consortium of 18 laboratories in the United States, Africa, Europe and Asia working to improve and accelerate antimalarial drug discovery processes.
Alysson Muotri
Professor, PediatricsFeatured in New York Times and NPR for his work on Lab-Grown Miniature Brains
Gene Yeo
Professor, Cellular and Molecular MedicineAnnounced as an Allen Distinguished Investigator by the Paul G. Allen Frontiers Group.
