Leo Dunkel

Professor Leo Dunkel holds the position of Professor of Paediatric Endocrinology at Queen Mary University of London's William Harvey Research Institute, within the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry. His primary affiliation is with the Centre for Endocrinology. He completed medical training at the University of Helsinki (1981) and postdoctoral work at Stanford University, later serving as Chair of Paediatrics at the University of Kuopio before joining Queen Mary in 2011.

Education history includes:

• MD from University of Helsinki (1981)
• Residency in Paediatrics/Paediatric Endocrinology at Helsinki's Hospital for Children and Adolescents
• Postdoctoral training at Stanford University's Division of Reproductive Biology

Research focuses on genetic determinants of puberty timing, particularly through studies of GnRH neuronal networks and iPSC-derived cell models. Current projects investigate IGSF10 gene variants' roles in pubertal disorders and aromatase inhibitors' therapeutic potential for growth disorders.

Professional service includes editorial board roles for the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, and leadership in the Finnish Society for Paediatric Endocrinology. Collaborations span institutions in Europe, North America, and South America. Major funders include the Wellcome Trust, Barts Charity, and the National Institute for Health and Care Research.

Led the Paediatric Endocrinology Research Group, developing novel cellular models to study genetic factors in sexual maturation. Active in clinical trials evaluating growth-promoting therapies.