Professor Dian Donnai CBE, FMedSci, FRCP, FRCOG
I trained in paediatrics and clinical genetics and have a major interest in developmental disorders. I was one of the first three senior registrars in clinical genetics in the UK appointed in 1978 having entered the embryonic specialty as a ‘part-time married woman clinical assistant’ a year previously!! The Manchester Centre for Genomic Medicine, of which I was head for a number of years, has grown from a small group of 15 clinicians and scientists to the 300 staff it now comprises. Currently I am Strategic Clinical Director of Saint Mary’s Hospital but still maintain strong links with genomic medicine teaching and travelling widely. I founded an international network through the Manchester Dysmorphology Conference series; a focus for many research collaborations. My awards include the March of Dimes Lifetime Achievement Award, the European Society of Human Genetics Education Award, and the American Society of Human Genetics Award for Excellence in Human Genetics Education (2017). I have been closely involved with genetic service development including a term as Consultant Advisor to the CMO of England (1998-2004). I was appointed CBE in the New Year Honours (2005) and elected to the Academy of Medical Sciences (2001). I am past president of the Clinical Genetics Society and the European Society for Human Genetics.
Twitter @DDysmo
Manchester Centre for Genomic Medicine
Saint Mary’s Hospital
