Colin Palmer

Prof Colin Palmer is a Professor of Pharmacogenomics and Population Health and Genomics at the University of Dundee. He serves as Associate Dean for Research and directs the NIHR Unit for Global Diabetes Outcomes Research and the NHS Research Scotland national register (SHARE).

• Established the GoDARTS cohort (1997) for pharmacogenetic research
• Linked electronic medical records to national prescribing data
• Collaborates with Madras Diabetes Research Foundation and European partners

Research Focus:
His work spans genetic epidemiology, GWAS for complex diseases (T2D, asthma, obesity), and precision medicine. He pioneered pharmacogenetic discoveries like the Filaggrin gene in eczema/asthma and CYP2D6*4 in tamoxifen response.

Recent Trends:
2025 publications highlight AI-driven diagnostics (retinal imaging), global diabetes disparities, and cultural health interventions (THANDAV dance program for Indian adolescents). Genetic studies focus on cardiovascular comorbidities in diabetes and comparative disease risk profiles.

Awards & Recognition:

• Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh (2015)
• Thomson Reuters Highly Cited Researcher (2001-2018)

Advising & Grants:
Directs 45+ projects (e.g., DIRECT, iDiabetes, CARDIATEAM) funded by the European Commission and NIHR. Supervises 11+ research students and collaborates internationally.