Giles Yeo

Giles Yeo is a Professor of Molecular Neuroendocrinology at the University of Cambridge, affiliated with the Institute of Metabolic Science and the Department of Clinical Biochemistry. As Scientific Director of the Genomics/Transcriptomics Core and co-leader of an MRC-MDU research program, he bridges cutting-edge neuroscience with metabolic disease research.

• University of Cambridge
• Institute of Metabolic Science
• Department of Clinical Biochemistry

His research focuses on identifying molecular pathways in the hypothalamus and brainstem that regulate energy homeostasis. Key projects include creating the HypoMap reference atlas and a high-resolution spatio-cellular map of the human hypothalamus (Tadross et al., Nature 2025). He investigates genetic mutations in obesity, such as MC4R and POMC, and collaborates on consanguineous family studies in Pakistan.

Recent publications highlight his work on obesity genetics (SREK1, DENND1B), hypothalamic circuitry, and metabolic regulation via the melanocortin pathway. He advocates for public science communication, evidenced by his book Why Calories Don't Count (2021) and 2023 campaign on voter ID access for students.

• MBE (2020) for Research and Communication
• Honorary President of the British Dietetic Association

Professor Yeo supervises PhD student Lucy Bedwell and collaborates with researchers like John Perry on population-level obesity genetics. His work is funded by the MRC, BBSRC, and the Foundation for Prader-Willi Research.