Professor Andrew Tym Hattersley is a distinguished clinical scientist and global authority in the molecular genetics of diabetes. He holds the prestigious position of Professor of Molecular Medicine at the University of Exeter and serves as the Gillings Chair in Precision Medicine, a role he has held since 2015. As a joint theme lead for diabetes research at the NIHR Exeter Biomedical Research Centre, he directs a major research initiative that bridges cutting-edge science with clinical applications. Alongside his academic responsibilities, Professor Hattersley maintains an active clinical practice as a consultant physician in diabetes, uniquely positioning him to translate research discoveries into patient care. His longstanding collaboration with Professor Sian Ellard has established them as the preeminent research team in monogenic diabetes worldwide.
His groundbreaking research program integrates state-of-the-art molecular genetics with detailed physiological and clinical investigations in patients, creating a powerful framework for understanding diabetes pathogenesis. Professor Hattersley pioneered the innovative approach of studying accidents of nature that cause monogenic diabetes to elucidate the critical role of specific gene products in human physiology, analogous to laboratory studies of knockout animals. This methodological strategy has yielded profound insights into the genetic architecture of both monogenic and polygenic forms of diabetes, fundamentally advancing our understanding of disease mechanisms. His work has directly transformed clinical practice through the development of genetic testing protocols that enable personalized treatment approaches for patients with monogenic diabetes. A hallmark of his scientific philosophy is the rapid and effective translation of discoveries into tangible improvements in patient care, demonstrating exceptional translational impact.
Professor Hattersley leads the Precision Medicine initiative in Exeter, working collaboratively with scientific and clinical colleagues to implement genomic approaches in diabetes care across multiple healthcare settings. His research team, recognized internationally as the premier group in monogenic diabetes, has played a pivotal role in the UK research effort into the genetics of type 2 diabetes, influencing national and international research agendas. As a Fellow of the Royal Society and recipient of a CBE for services to medical research, his contributions have been widely recognized by the scientific community and national institutions. His ongoing work continues to advance the field of diabetes genetics while directly improving diagnostic pathways and treatment options for patients globally. Professor Hattersley remains at the forefront of precision medicine, driving innovation that promises to reshape diabetes care through increasingly sophisticated genomic applications.
