Grant Morahan

Professor Grant Morahan is a leading researcher in the genetics of complex diseases, currently serving as Director of the Centre for Diabetes Research at the University of Western Australia and the Western Australian Institute for Medical Research at Royal Perth Hospital. He received his BSc(Hons) and PhD in immunogenetics from the University of Melbourne, following postdoctoral work as a Fogarty International Fellow at the Scripps Clinic. His career spans leadership roles at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute and international collaborations through the Type I Diabetes Genetics Consortium and the Complex Trait Consortium.

• Education: BSc(Hons) from La Trobe University, PhD from University of Melbourne
• Key Appointments: Inaugural Diabetes Research Foundation Professor (2005), Director of Centre for Diabetes Research
• Research Focus: Genetics of type 1 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, immunological tolerance, and gene-environment interactions

His scientific contributions include over 100 publications in top journals like Nature, Science, and Lancet, with recent work focusing on N-glycosylation mechanisms in diabetes, SEC61B-regulated platelet hyperreactivity, and genetic risk scores for diabetes complications. He has pioneered the use of genetically diverse mouse models to study disease variability.

• Scientific Awards: Faculty of 1000 member, Founding President of Immunology Group of Victoria, Australasian Society for Immunology Councillor
• Entrepreneurial Roles: Co-founder of Geniad (genetic resource-based pharmaceutical services) and GordianTec Pty Ltd (diagnostic technologies)

His translational research includes patent filings for diabetes and cancer diagnostics through GordianTec, emphasizing improved patient management and disease outcomes. His work bridges fundamental genetic discoveries with clinical applications through active collaborations across immunology, endocrinology, and cardiovascular disciplines.