Statistical methods development and analysis of genomic data in health and disease

The use of high-throughput sequencing technologies signals a new era in genetic research, but will present major challenges in data interpretation and analysis. To help harness the potential benefits of this new technology, Professor Donnelly aims to develop new statistical methods and bioinformatics tools to robustly extract information from the large datasets generated. These applications will focus on the genetic basis of human disease and on the transmission of bacterial pathogens and their evolution, naturally and under pressure from vaccines and antibiotics. He will also undertake a series of experimental studies to better understand the process of meiotic recombination in mammals.