Allan McRae

Associate Professor Allan McRae is a Group Leader in Systems Genomics at the University of Queensland's Institute for Molecular Bioscience (IMB). His research focuses on understanding biological mechanisms of human variation using integrated omics data, particularly investigating genomic regulation and its effects on complex traits. He leads a team of researchers and students, including PhD candidates and visiting scholars, exploring areas like epigenetics, neurodegenerative diseases, and metabolic disorders.

McRae's work spans genetic epidemiology, leveraging large-scale genomic and epigenetic datasets to identify biomarkers and risk factors for conditions such as Alzheimer’s, ALS, and endometriosis. His team employs machine learning, GWAS, and advanced statistical methods to analyze complex biological systems. Notable collaborations include studies across Europe, Australia, and the UK, focusing on longitudinal health data and predictive modeling.

His research has led to breakthroughs in understanding sex-specific epigenetic differences, CNV impacts on neurodevelopmental disorders, and metabolic pathways in liver function. McRae actively contributes to interdisciplinary initiatives at IMB, including the Population and Disease Genomics Research Centre. He mentors a diverse group of students and postdoctoral researchers, emphasizing training in computational biology and translational genomics.

McRae’s publications highlight innovative approaches to integrating multi-omics data, including methylation risk scoring, inflammatory biomarker prediction, and epigenetic clock analysis. His work underscores the importance of systems-level thinking in addressing multifactorial diseases, bridging basic science with clinical applications.