Human Genetics Unit, Medical Research Council, Edinburgh, UK

The MRC Human Genetics Unit is at the forefront of research into human genetics. Its role is to advance the understanding of genetic factors implicated in human disease and normal and abnormal development. The Unit's programmes of work cover the themes of developmental genetics, chromosome biology and models for human genetic diseases. The unit is one of the largest MRC research establishments supporting approximately 220 scientists, support staff, fellows, PhD students and visiting scientists, of whom approximately 150 are directly funded by the MRC. Our scientific aims are:

• To gain an understanding of the molecular basis of genetic disease and normal human development
• To identify genetic risk factors in common disease in isolated populations
• To develop animal model systems to study human genetic disease and mammalian development
• To understand the role of nuclear and cytoplasmic organisation in regulating the flow of information from DNA to the organism
• To investigate opportunities for novel therapeutic approaches including stem cell therapy