Andrew Wilkie (geneticist) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Andrew Wilkie
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|---|---|
| Born |
Andrew Oliver Mungo Wilkie
14 September 1959 |
| Education | Arnold House School Westminster School |
| Alma mater | |
| Awards | EMBO Member (2006) |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Medical genetics |
| Institutions | University of Oxford |
| Notable students | Anne Goriely (postdoc) |
Andrew Oliver Mungo Wilkie, born on September 14, 1959, is a British scientist. He is a clinical geneticist, which means he studies how our genes affect our health. Since 2003, he has been a special professor at the University of Oxford.
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Andrew Wilkie's Education
Andrew Wilkie went to several schools. He studied at Arnold House School and Westminster School. Later, he attended Trinity College, Cambridge. There, he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1980. He also received a Master of Arts degree in 1984.
He then moved to Merton College, Oxford. In 1983, he earned a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery degree. This means he became a doctor. He later earned a Doctor of Medicine degree in 1992.
What Andrew Wilkie Studies
Professor Wilkie's research focuses on genetic disorders. These are conditions caused by changes in our genes. He especially studies problems that affect the skull and limbs.
Craniosynostosis Research
One main area of his work is craniosynostosis. This is a condition where the bones in a baby's skull join together too early. Normally, a baby's skull bones are separate. They have soft spots called sutures. These allow the brain to grow. If they fuse too soon, it can cause problems with brain development.
Professor Wilkie found the specific gene mutation that causes Apert syndrome. This is a type of craniosynostosis. His discoveries have helped doctors understand these conditions better. They have also led to many diagnostic tests. These tests help doctors find out if someone has these genetic conditions.
Understanding Genetic Pathways
His research also showed that a pathway called the Ras molecular pathway is important. This pathway helps nerves develop. It also plays a role in how some tumours grow. This means his work can help us understand other diseases. These include conditions like autism and even cancer.
The Medical Research Council (MRC) has provided money for his research. One of his former students, Anne Goriely, also became a notable scientist.
Awards and Honours
Andrew Wilkie has received many important awards for his work.
- In 2002, he became a Fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences.
- In 2006, he was elected to the European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO).
- In 2013, he became a Fellow of the Royal Society (FRS). This is a very high honour for scientists in the UK.
Personal Life
Andrew Wilkie's father was Douglas Robert Wilkie. He was also a Fellow of the Royal Society.
