About the Birmingham Centre for Genome Biology

More than 30 principal investigators have come together to focus on basic research into mechanisms that maintain and regulate the eukaryotic genome. They represent several key areas of modern molecular biology which include:

(i) transcriptional and post-transcriptional gene regulation,
(ii) genomics and epigenomics,
(iii) functional genomics,
(iv) DNA replication,
(v) DNA repair, and
(vi) genome stability.

These activities are being applied to fundamentally important model systems such as the development of blood cells and the immune system, as well as mechanisms that contribute to cancers such as leukaemia.

The research groups within BCGB recognise the need for an integrated approach to studying the structure and function of genomes in complex regulatory systems, and for the application and adaptation of the latest innovative technologies. They wish to link their basic research interests with the outstanding translational research undertaken at University of Birmingham and the adjoining National Health Trusts within Birmingham Health Partners. They also recognise the benefits of interacting with the newly founded Joint Centre for Environmental Omics (JCEO) led by John Colbourne and the Institute for Computational Biology (ICB) led by Jean Baptiste Cazier.

The unique local setting of the BCGB is ideal for the integration of the basic research performed across the University of Birmingham with the clinical research and resources available within the Queen Elizabeth Hospital and the Birmingham Women’s Hospital across an integrated academic, medical and life sciences campus. This pairing, together with the Birmingham Children’s Hospital, strongly enhances the ability of clinical groups to develop stratified medicine approaches.

Management of the Centre

The Director

The Birmingham Centre for Genome Biology (BCGB)’s director is Professor Ferenc Mueller who has been a long standing contributor to the fields of gene regulation and developmental biology in zebrafish models. Ferenc accepted this role in 2020 following on from Constanze Bonifer, who was the founding director of BCGB from 2015. Ferenc will be supported by representatives from both the College of Life and Environmental Sciences and the College of Medicine and Health, as well as team members responsible for individual management roles. Decisions in the BCGB will be made within a larger executive group that will cover multiple aspects of centre management, such as outreach, recruitment, training and equipment purchase.

BCGB Executive

Professor Ferenc Mueller: Director

Professor Constanze Bonifer: Founding BCGB Director and Academic Lead for the Medical School Grants and Fellowship Academy

Professor Jo Parish: Representative for the Department of Cancer and Genomic Sciences

Dr Matthias Soller: Representative for College of Life and Environmental Sciences

Professor Jo Morris: Theme lead for DNA Replication and Repair

Dr Benjamin Edginton-White: Responsible for web site content

Dr Marco Saponaro: Co-coordinator of BCGB symposia

Dr Rui Montiero: Co-coordinator of BCGB symposia

Dr Maarten Hoogenkamp: Co-coordinator of BCGB internal seminars

Professor Grant Stewart: Co-coordinator of BCGB internal seminars

Dr Clare Davies: Co-coordinator of BCGB invited speaker seminars

Dr Paloma Garcia: Co-coordinator of BCGB invited speaker seminars

Dr Martin Higgs: Responsible for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Dr Agnieszka Gambus: Responsible for alignment with the Athena SWAN Charter

The Scientific Advisory Board

The BCGB Executive will be advised by:

Professor Wendy Bickmore: Director - MRC Human Genetics Unit, University of Edinburgh

Professor Kristian Helin: Chief Executive of the Institute of Cancer Research, London.