Institute of Genetics and Cancer Inaugural Lecture Showcase

The College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine welcomes you to an inaugural lecture showcase event showcasing the work of:

• Colin Semple, Professor of Computational Biology
• Joseph Marsh, Professor of Computational Protein Biology

Joe Marsh is Professor of Computational Protein Biology at the Institute of Genetics & Cancer, University of Edinburgh. His research combines protein structure, functional genomics, and computational modelling to study how genetic variation affects biological systems. He works closely with experimental scientists and clinicians to develop approaches for interpreting genomic data and improving genetic diagnosis.

DNA sequencing has made it routine to identify genetic variation, yet many patients still receive uncertain or inconclusive results. A central reason is that genetic disease arises through many different biological processes, not all of which are well captured by the tools and models currently used to interpret genomic data.

This lecture will examine the range of molecular processes through which genetic variants can lead to disease, and why some are particularly difficult to detect and interpret. Using examples from protein biology, gene regulation, functional genomics, and modern AI-based modelling, Joe will discuss how computational approaches can help link genetic variation to biological insight, strengthen genetic diagnosis, and open clearer pathways towards targeted therapeutic strategies.

Colin Semple is Professor of Computational Biology at the Institute of Genetics and Cancer and Head of Bioinformatics at the MRC Human Genetics Unit. His group provides computational leadership for large cancer genomics programmes, working closely with experimental scientists and NHS Scotland clinicians. Trained in population genetics, he established his group in 2001 to analyse the first human genome sequences, and his work has since focused on how genomic variation drives human disease, particularly cancer.

Cancer is fundamentally a disease of the genome: each tumour begins with a normal human genome and then reshapes it through mutations and large-scale rearrangements that enable uncontrolled growth and therapy resistance. Using whole-genome sequencing and high-performance computing, his group identifies and interprets these mutations across thousands of tumours, predicting which ones alter tumour biology and influence patient survival. Current work focuses on ovarian cancer, mesothelioma and glioblastoma - tumour types with highly complex genomes and limited treatment options. The goal is to understand how these cancers evolve, uncover genomic vulnerabilities that can be targeted by new drugs, and determine when genomic instability first arises, enabling earlier detection and more effective treatment.

5.00pm - 6.30pm - Inaugural lectures

6.30pm - 7.30pm - Drinks reception

This event is free and open to all.

Please indicate any dietary or access requirements when you register to attend.

Lectures are in-person only and will not be live-streamed. Recordings of the lectures will be available after the event.