Dominic Kwiatkowski facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Dominic Kwiatkowski
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Kwiatkowski in 2018
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| Born |
Dominic P. Kwiatkowski
25 May 1953 Hammersmith, London, England
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| Died | 27 April 2023 (aged 69) |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Genomics Malaria |
| Institutions | Wellcome Sanger Institute University of Cambridge University of Oxford Guy's Hospital Leyland Motors |
| Influences | Charles A. Dinarello Brian Greenwood |
Dominic Kwiatkowski (May 25, 1953 – April 27, 2023) was an English medical researcher and expert in genetics. He led the parasites and microbes program at the Wellcome Sanger Institute in Cambridge. He was also a professor of genomics at the University of Oxford. Dr. Kwiatkowski used genetics and computer analysis to solve problems with infectious diseases. His main goal was to find ways to help reduce the impact of diseases in poorer countries.
Contents
Studying to Become a Doctor
Dominic Kwiatkowski trained to be a children's doctor at Guy's Hospital in London.
Researching Diseases and Genetics
Kwiatkowski spent several years working in West Africa. In this region, malaria caused many deaths among young children. This became a very important focus for his research for over 30 years.
Understanding Malaria
He helped us understand how malaria affects the body. He also studied how some people's bodies can naturally fight off the disease. This is called understanding malaria pathogenesis and genetic resistance.
Using Genetics to Fight Disease
Dr. Kwiatkowski was a leader in using a method called genome-wide association studies (GWAS) in Africa. This method looks at the entire genetic code of many people to find tiny differences. These differences can be linked to diseases or how people react to medicines.
He also led big international projects. These projects studied the genetic differences in malaria parasites and the mosquitoes that carry them. This work helped scientists learn how parasites become resistant to medicines and how mosquitoes become resistant to bug sprays. This knowledge is very important for controlling diseases.
MalariaGEN: Sharing Knowledge
In 2005, Kwiatkowski started a network called MalariaGEN. This group helps scientists share information and work together. It has led to many successful research projects in over 40 countries where malaria is common. MalariaGEN is a great example of how to share genetic data fairly. It also helps build research skills in places that don't have many resources.
Later Life
Dominic Kwiatkowski passed away on April 27, 2023, when he was 69 years old.
Awards and Special Recognition
Dr. Kwiatkowski received several important awards for his work:
- In 2018, he became a Fellow of the Royal Society (FRS). This is a very high honor for scientists in the UK.
- In 2000, he became a Fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences (FMedSci).
