University of Iowa geneticist named as president-elect of American Society of Human Genetics

BETHESDA, MD – May 11, 2012 – The American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG) recently elected Jeffrey C. Murray, MD, Professor of Pediatrics, Epidemiology, Nursing, and Biological Sciences at the University of Iowa, to serve as the Society's president in 2013. ASHG is the leading professional membership organization for human genetics specialists worldwide, representing nearly 8,000 researchers, academicians, clinicians, genetic counselors, nurses, and others with an interest in the field.

Jeff Murray is a trained pediatrician/geneticist specializing in the area of human molecular genetics. His clinical work provides care to newborn infants and children with birth defects. His research focuses on identifying genetic and environmental causes of complex diseases. Dr. Murray has had a global influence upon the field of orofacial clefting, both in his group's pioneering work on the molecular genetic underpinnings of these birth defects and in the clinical care of affected patients. He has contributed widely to many areas of human genetics and genomics, including his work in large-scale genetic mapping that was one of the early successes of the Human Genome Project. In addition, Murray also maintains a strong interest in the ethical and social issues confronting the use and implementation of genetic technologies.

“Jeff Murray is the quintessential human geneticist and a model clinician/scientist,” said ASHG Executive Vice President, Joann Boughman, PhD. “Dr. Murray's lab is making significant contributions to basic science and translational research by finding the key genetic factors that play a role in the complex processes of normal and abnormal development.” She added that, “He is also a compassionate clinician, and a passionate teacher and mentor, and maintains focus on the policy issues that affect all of us. We are very fortunate to have such a fine geneticist as Jeff Murray serve as President of ASHG.”

As of January 1, 2013, Dr. Murray will begin his tenure as president of ASHG, after completing a one year term as president-elect in 2012. In his role as president of ASHG, Dr. Murray will be responsible for providing leadership and direction to the Society and its members. Dr. Murray previously served on the ASHG Board of Directors from 1995 to 1998. He was also honored by ASHG as the 2007 recipient of the Society's prestigious Curt Stern Award for his outstanding scientific achievements in human genetics research.

“This is a time of great technical revolutions in human genetics, which has created wonderful opportunities to advance human science and health, while also bringing to attention many ethical and social dilemmas,” said Dr. Murray. “ASHG has always played a pivotal role both nationally and internationally in advancing scientific research in this field and in contributing to the debates on utilization of genetics in a socially responsible and effective way. I am proud to be a part of this organization, and I am truly honored and excited to serve as President of ASHG in 2013.”

Dr. Murray's lab uses human gene mapping approaches and epidemiology to discover the underlying causes of birth defects, including cleft palate, and preterm birth. His research team also applies methods from a variety of other disciplines – particularly those of genetics, molecular biology, embryology, and epidemiology – to study complex genetic health conditions in newborns. A major focus of Dr. Murray's research in the past twenty years has been on the genetics of orofacial clefting. Cleft lip and palate are frequently occurring birth defects and represent a common complex genetic disease. Dr. Murray has pioneered the search for the genetic and environmental causes of this spectrum of disorders. Murray has put together a collaborative international network of clinicians, scientists, and patient groups to study clefting, which has directly resulted in the identification of a series of genes that play significant roles in orofacial clefting, and in the discovery of variants that affect gene-environment interactions with this disorder.

Jeff Murray earned his B.S. in biology from M.I.T. (1972), and his M.D. at Tufts Medical School (1978). Following a pediatric residency at the Boston Floating Hospital, he completed a Medical Genetics fellowship at the University of Washington in Seattle under Dr. Arno Motulsky. In 1984, Murray joined the Department of Pediatrics faculty at the University of Iowa, where he rose both in rank and in reputation as a leading authority in medical genetics. He currently serves as a Professor of Pediatrics, Biological Sciences, Nursing, Pediatric Dentistry and Epidemiology, and he holds the Roy J. Carver Chair in Perinatal Health, in addition to serving as Co-chair of the interdisciplinary Ph.D. program in genetics.

ABOUT THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF HUMAN GENETICS

Founded in 1948, the

American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG) is the leading professional membership organization for human genetics specialists worldwide. The nearly 8,000 members of ASHG include researchers, academicians, clinicians, laboratory practice professionals, genetic counselors, nurses, and others with a special interest in the field of human genetics. The Society's mission is to serve research scientists, health professionals and the public by providing forums to: (1) share research results through the

ASHG Annual Meeting and in

The American Journal of Human Genetics (AJHG); (2) advance genetic research by advocating for research support; (3) educate current and future genetics professionals, health care providers, advocates, policymakers, educators, students, and the public about all aspects of human genetics; and (4) promote genetic services and support responsible social and scientific policies. For more information about ASHG, please visit our Web site at:

http://www.ashg.org.