The National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) has selected Charles Rotimi, Ph.D., as the next scientific director. In this role, he will lead the institute’s Intramural Research Program, which conducts basic and clinical research to enable a greater understanding of human disease and to develop better methods to detect, prevent and treat genetic disorders. NHGRI is part of the National Institutes of Health.
Dr. Rotimi is a leading genetic epidemiologist and genomics researcher with expertise in statistical genetics, computational science, biochemistry, health disparities and scientific management. He is an NIH Distinguished Investigator, director of the trans-NIH Center for Research on Genomics and Global Health, and chief of the NHGRI Metabolic, Cardiovascular and Inflammatory Disease Genomics Branch. He has designed and led major basic science and clinical research projects in human genomics. Dr. Rotimi is also a leader in the development of global genomics expertise and resources, acting as a vocal advocate for increased ancestral diversity in research participants and in the international scientific workforce.
“Charles is a highly accomplished human geneticist and genomics researcher, in addition to being a true visionary for making genomics more equitably distributed for improving the health of all people,” said NHGRI Director Eric Green, M.D., Ph.D. “His work has led to multiple transformative success stories in human genomics. It has been my privilege to watch his ever-increasing impact on genomics world-wide and the global recognition of his achievements.”
The NHGRI Intramural Research Program supports more than 50 investigators who conduct a wide range of research at the forefront of genomics, such as implementing new genomic technologies and approaches, developing treatments for rare genetic diseases and promoting innovative research collaborations. During its nearly 30 years, the program has established a well-respected track record of seminal research accomplishments and has disseminated genomics across the broader NIH Intramural Research Program.
“Since its inception, the NHGRI Intramural Research Program has represented a jewel in NIH’s larger research ecosystem, and it continues to thrive with a growing cadre of talented researchers working across the entire spectrum of genomics research,” Dr. Green said. “With Charles’ extensive leadership within the program, ability to inspire and forge collaborations and creativity in applying genomics to improving human health, he is superbly qualified to become the program’s next leader.”
Among his successes, Dr. Rotimi has established numerous scientific endeavors that have grown out of his research efforts and into a worldwide revolution for expanding access to genomic data, knowledge and technologies.
