Professor Geoff Woods is a renowned Professor of Human Genetics at the Cambridge Institute for Medical Research (CIMR), University of Cambridge. Holding an honorary consultant position in Clinical Genetics at Addenbrooke’s Hospital, his extensive clinical experience encompasses a broad spectrum of genetic disorders. Professor Woods is particularly specialized in neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders of childhood, focusing on human disease phenotypes and genotypes, as well as molecular genetic interpretation. He manages a regional Clinical Genetics service and runs specialist clinics in ophthalmic genetics, pediatric neurology genetics, and congenital insensitivity to pain.

A graduate of the University of Birmingham, where he completed his MB ChB and MD, Professor Woods also holds MRCP (Paediatrics) and FRCP qualifications. His illustrious career includes previous roles as Clinical Lead of the NHS Department of Clinical Genetics at Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Consultant Clinical Geneticist at St James’s University Hospital in Leeds, and the Murdoch Institute for Birth Defects in Melbourne, Australia. His contributions to medical genetics have been recognized with his election as a Fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences (FMedSci).

Professor Woods is deeply committed to medical education and mentorship, having served as a lecturer and later a reader in Medical Genetics at the University of Cambridge. His influence extends to teaching medical students, junior doctors, and colleagues, fostering a collaborative and enriching academic environment. His research is highly collaborative, with his team focusing on Mendelian diseases of neurodevelopment, particularly human pain perception and its genetic and biological underpinnings.

A prolific contributor to the scientific community, Professor Woods boasts an impressive H-index of 80, reflecting the high impact of his work. His research is extensively published in prestigious journals such as Nature, Science, and The Lancet Neurology. Notable publications include studies on the genetic basis of congenital insensitivity to pain and the role of sodium channel genes in pain-related disorders. His research endeavors are supported by substantial grants from esteemed institutions like UKRI, the Pain Research Foundation, and pharmaceutical companies such as AstraZeneca and Eli Lilly, amounting to over £4.5 million.

In addition to his academic and clinical roles, Professor Woods is an active member of various medical societies and has been honored with numerous awards for his contributions to genetics. His social roles include advocating for patients with rare genetic disorders and contributing to public understanding of genetic diseases. Through his groundbreaking research, clinical expertise, and dedication to education, Professor Geoff Woods continues to make significant strides in the field of human genetics.