About Us
Making science work for health – recent appointments
2012 marks the 15th anniversary of our work since being founded as the first UK (and indeed European) centre for public health genomics, the Public Health Genetics Unit, in 1997. As well as running an exciting programme of public events throughout this year, we are delighted to welcome new senior staff to the PHG Foundation:
Dr Mark Kroese (Programme Director)
Mark is an experienced NHS Consultant in Public Health Medicine; he joined us in January 2012 and will oversee our work programme, in conjunction with Director Hilary Burton. His expertise includes the evaluation, regulation and commissioning of genetic tests; he is also public health advisor to the UK Genetic Testing Network and a standing member of the Diagnostics Advisory Committee of the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE).
Dr Nina Hallowell (Programme Lead)
Nina is a social scientist with more than fifteen years’ academic research experience examining the social and ethical implications of genetic testing, including risk communication. She joins us in February 2012.
Mark and Nina will each develop and lead major projects within our portfolio in their respective areas of expertise, as well as contributing to corporate development.
Trustee news
Professor Tim Aitman has become our newest trustee. Tim is Professor of Clinical and Molecular Genetics at Imperial College London, among many other academic accolades; he served as the Specialist Adviser for the House of Lords Science and Technology Committee's Inquiry into Genomic Medicine and is a member of the Government advisory body the Human Genetics Commission.
We are also pleased to congratulate trustee Professor Sir Patrick Sissons, who was knighted in the New Year Honours List for ‘services to research and education in Clinical Medicine’, and chairman Dr Ron Zimmern, who has been made an Honorary Fellow of the University of Hong Kong, a post that recognises ‘those who are held in the highest regard by the University’.