William Newman

William Newman is a Clinical Professor of Translational Genomic Medicine at the University of Manchester and Honorary Consultant at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust. He serves as President of the European Society of Human Genetics (2024-25) and Clinical Director of the NW Genomic Medicine Service Alliance. His roles include co-leading the BRC Theme on Rare Conditions and leading the NHSE Network of Excellence in Pharmacogenetics and Medicines Optimisation.

Education:

• BSc (hons) Experimental Immunology and Oncology
• MB ChB (hons) from the University of Manchester
• PhD in genetics from the Wellcome Trust Cell Matrix Centre
• MA in Healthcare Ethics and Law

Research Interests:

• Rare Conditions: Discovery of genetic causes using next-generation sequencing, focusing on Perrault syndrome, lower urinary tract disorders, and infection-triggered neuropathies.
• Pharmacogenetics: Clinical implementation of genetic testing to optimize medication responses, including the PALOH study for gentamicin-induced hearing loss prevention.
• Lower Urinary Tract Malformations: Studies on HPSE2 and LRIG2 genes in urofacial syndrome and bladder exstrophy, supported by the MRC-NIHR Rare Disease Node (REOLUT).
• Genetics of Perrault Syndrome: Identification of CLPP, MRPL49, PRORP, and DAP3 genes, exploring mitochondrial dysfunction mechanisms.
• Spliceosomal Disorders: Investigating craniofacial syndromes like Burn McKeown syndrome using mouse and stem cell models.

Key Awards:

• New Statesman Healthcare Positive Impact Award 2022
• Times Higher Education (THE) Research Project of the Year: STEM Award 2024

Teaching and Collaborations:

• Established MSc in Genomic Medicine and PGCert in Clinical Genetics with international partners.
• Collaborates with institutions like Newcastle University, UCL, and Cambridge on rare disease projects.
• Leadership in European Society of Human Genetics training programs for cardiac genetics professionals.

Labs and Platforms: Manchester Centre for Genomic Medicine, Manchester Regenerative Medicine Network, and the Lydia Becker Institute.