Innovation
Research in the Department spans a broad spectrum of cutting-edge genetics, encompassing global genomics, evolution of complex traits, single-cell multiomics, precision gene editing, and mechanisms of epigenetic inheritance, among others.
Passion
Our faculty, trainees, and staff are united by an enduring curiosity about the fundamental principles of life and a relentless drive to uncover the genetic underpinnings of health and disease.
Collaboration
Scientific discovery in the Department is deeply collaborative by design. Faculty partner across disciplines with leading experts in medicine, computational biology, engineering, and public health to tackle the most complex questions in genetics.
Impact
Our labs combine advanced technologies with biological insights to accelerate the translation of genetic knowledge in precision medicine, enhance genomic diagnostics, and train future leaders in genomic science.
Message from the Chair: Daniel J. Rader, M.D.
Welcome to the Department of Genetics at the Perelman School of Medicine (PSOM) at the University of Pennsylvania. Our 35 primary faculty members conduct cutting-edge research across a broad spectrum of genetics and genomics, including human genetics, evolutionary and population genetics, epigenetics, functional genomics, experimental model systems, RNA biology, and computational and statistical genomics. Our research ranges from fundamental biological discovery to genomic medicine and translational therapeutics. As the central hub for genetics and genomics research on campus, the Department maintains strong collaborations with clinical departments and numerous Centers and Institutes across PSOM and the University. We also provide administrative oversight for several core facilities that support research laboratories throughout the School of Medicine and affiliated institutions. Additionally, the Department plays a vital role in educating medical and graduate students, as well as training the next generation of genomic scientists.
Weekly Events
Upcoming EventsNews
New Science Study Explores Ancient Human–Neanderthal Relationships
The Tishkoff Lab has a newly published Science paper that reveals evidence that ancient interbreeding was strongly biased toward Neanderthal males and females with predominantly modern human ancestry, based on DNA patterns on the X chromosome. The study has drawn major media attention, including coverage in The Washington Post.
Dr. Yana Kamberov’s Research on the Evolutionary Genetics of Human Sweat Featured in New Book
Humans are the sweatiest primate, and the only mammal that relies primarily on sweating as the main mechanism for thermoregulatory cooling. In his new book “Hotwired: How the Hidden Power of Heat Makes Us Stronger”, #1 New York Times bestselling author Bill Gifford highlights Penn Genetics researcher Yana Kamberov’s seminal discoveries on the genetic and developmental bases for the evolution of humans’ exceptional sweating capabilities.
SAVE THE DATE! Emerging Genomic Scientists Symposium - April 30, 2026
Hosted by the Penn Genetics Center for Computational Biomedicine at Penn’s Perelman School of Medicine, this dynamic one-day symposium brings together emerging leaders in genetics to showcase cutting‑edge research, spark meaningful connections, and explore exciting opportunities within Penn’s vibrant scientific community.