The Functional Genomics Unit (FGU) uses genomic information to determine mechanisms of disease and to develop novel therapeutic approaches. We focus our research on common neurological diseases (e.g. motor neuron disease, Parkinson’s disease or Alzheimer’s disease) treating each of them as a family of disorders whose members occur only rarely in the general population. Developing treatments for such disorders requires an understanding of the common biochemical pathways which lead to malfunction and the development of a family of products for their treatment.

In the Unit we combine the power of computational analyses and the latest experimental technologies in model organisms to reveal the roles of genes and genomes in health and disease.  The Unit pursues the translation of these discoveries into improved healthcare products and patient treatments via partnerships with clinicians as well as the Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Industries.