Using Knowledge Gained From Human Genetics To Improve Human Health

A hub of deep expertise, the Department of Human Genetics helps partners across UCLA interpret data and leverage genomic technology to improve study design and solve medical problems.

We demystify genetic complexities to provide vital insights for a range of clinical and research applications. We strive to improve the care of as many patients as possible by pushing our capabilities, developing novel ways to address unanswered questions in human genetics.

Accomplished Neighbors 

Your next collaboration is right down the street.

Our enviable proximity to the world’s brightest scientific minds enables both thriving scheduled events and impromptu sidewalk powwows. A casual conversation during your coffee run could lead to your next big publication.

Human Genetics - Medical school student
  • Terasaki Life Sciences Building (5 minute walk)
  • California Nanosystems Institute (5 minute walk)
  • Biomedical Sciences Research Building (5 minute walk)
  • Henry Samueli School of Engineering (4 minute walk)
  • Neuroscience Research Building (2 minute walk)

Come find out why innovation lives here.

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Dr. Leonid Kruglyak, Chair, Department of Human Genetics

Our work can uncover solutions to nearly any medical problem because genetics pervades all clinical specialties; anything you can think of that differs between individuals—including susceptibility to diseases—has a genetic component. By uncovering genetic variables, we hope to deliver more precise, more effective treatments.

Leonid Kruglyak, PhD, Chair, Department of Human Genetics at UCLA

Discovery Spotlights

  • Human Genetics - Highlight - Jingyi Jessica Li

    Jingyi Jessica Li, PhD leads a study introducing scDesign3, a simulator designed to fill the gap between researchers’ benchmarking needs and the limitations of existing tools.

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  • Brandon Tsai holding winning UC Grad Slam check - Human Genetics

    Brandon Tsai, Human Genetics and Genomics PhD student, wins the UCLA and UC-wide Grad Slam with his talk on next-generation COVID vaccines.

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  • Human Genetics - Highlight - Stanley Nelson

    California Center for Rare Diseases at UCLA, directed by Stanley Nelson, MD, named a "Center of Excellence" in national collaborative organization dedicated to diagnosing, treating, and researching rare diseases.

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  • Leonid Kruglyak - Human Genetics

    Leonid Kruglyak, PhD elected member of the National Academy of Sciences, a prestigious recognition of his outstanding contributions to the field of human genetics, transforming our understanding of the genetic basis of complex phenotypes.

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  • Aileen Nava - Human Genetics

    Aileen Nava, Human Genetics and Genomics PhD student, selected to participate in the 72nd Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting, gathering Nobel Laureates and Young Scientists in the field of Physiology/Medicine.

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  • Leonid Kruglyak - Human Genetics

    Leonid Kruglyak, PhD, Human Genetics Department Chair, elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

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  • DNA - Human Genetics

    The Department of Human Genetics and Institute of Precision Health launch the Dr. Allen and Charlotte Ginsburg Center for Precision Genomic Medicine.

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  • Paul Boutros - Human Genetics

    Paul Boutros, PhD to lead Tool Optimization Core of the NIH Common Fund's Bridge to Artificial Intelligence (Bridge2AI) >program at UCLA.

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  • Daniel Geschwind - Human Genetics

    Daniel Geschwind, MD, PhD awarded National Academy of Medicine prize in recognition of his pioneering research and leadership in autism and human genetics.

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  • Arun Durvasula and Sriram Sankararaman - Human Genetics

    Arun Durvasula, PhD and Sriram Sankaraman, PhD published in Science Advances with evidence for a previously unknown population of ancient humans

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  • Ken Lange, PhD

    Kenneth Lange, PhD elected member of the National Academy of Sciences in recognition of his distinguished and continuing achievements in original research.

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  • Daniel Geschwind - Human Genetics

    "Launching the Ginsburg Center within the Institute for Precision Health is a milestone in our work to bridge cutting-edge human genetic research and direct patient care with individually targeted treatments..." - Daniel Geschwind, MD, PhD

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