The Genomic Medicine Research Group is focused on using genetic knowledge and cutting-edge technologies to improve our understanding of human disease, with a view to enhancing diagnosis and treatment of complex disorders. Our team of researchers are particularly interested in the role of epigenetics, the function of microRNAs and investigation of genetic mutations which contribute to development of disease. Using a variety of in vitro, in vivo and in silico approaches, a number of overlapping projects in our group are carrying out ground-breaking research into various disease areas, including cancer, eye disease, cardiovascular disease and mental health.

Our work utilises state-of-the-art equipment available in the Genomics Core Facility Unit, including instrumentation for flow cytometry, imaging, PCR, sequencing and methylation analysis. We use several unique in vitro and in vivo disease models for our research, and techniques routinely employed in our research include CRISPR/Cas gene editing, gene silencing, DNA methylation analysis and reporter assays. Our cell biology laboratory work is complemented by bioinformatics expertise within the group to perform genome-wide association studies and other analyses of publicly available datasets.

Together, the group members have several strategic national and international research collaborations across academia, healthcare and industry, with an exciting track record of research outputs and conference presentations across the globe. Genomic research is absolutely crucial in the drive towards personalized medicine and tailored treatment for disease and the Genomic Medicine Research Group at Ulster are proud to be making a valuable contribution to this effort. Through our work we aim to facilitate translational medical research from laboratory to clinic, thereby helping to fulfil the great promise of genomic medicine.

PhD graduates are recognised by employers to hold valuable transferrable skills, as the nature of the degree trains candidates in creativity, critical inquiry, problem solving, negotiation skills, professionalism and confidence. The most recent Ulster survey of PhD graduates found that 92% had secured employment within the first year since graduation (HESA Destination of Leavers Survey 2015), and while two thirds end up in the Higher Education or Research sectors, the range of skills acquired equips the remainder for employment in a wide range of contexts.