Professor Jonathan Seckl stands as a distinguished leader in medical science and academic administration at the University of Edinburgh, currently serving as Vice-Principal for Planning Resources and Research Policy. A dual-qualified clinician-scientist with an MBBS from University College London and PhD from Imperial College London, he has established himself as a preeminent figure in molecular medicine through both his clinical practice and research leadership. His distinguished career includes serving as Executive Dean and Director of Research for the College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, where he oversaw more than 2000 staff and 850 academic personnel. Prior to this leadership role, he was the inaugural Head of the School of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, successfully integrating basic science and clinical practice across a faculty of 480 staff members while devising the strategy that secured top rankings in the RAE2008 submissions.
Professor Seckl's seminal contributions have fundamentally advanced our understanding of tissue-specific metabolism of glucocorticoids and their critical role in determining local steroid hormone action throughout the body. His pioneering research has elucidated the mechanisms through which glucocorticoid metabolism influences developmental programming of both the brain and body, establishing foundational knowledge that has transformed endocrine science. With expertise spanning neuroendocrinology, stress physiology, and fetal programming, his work has revealed crucial insights into 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase enzymes and their impact on human health conditions. Clinically, he has developed specialized expertise in disorders of the hypothalamus, particularly diabetes insipidus, and pituitary conditions, bridging his laboratory discoveries with patient care through his practice at the Edinburgh Centre for Endocrinology and Diabetes.
Beyond his personal research program, Professor Seckl has demonstrated exceptional leadership in building research infrastructure, having established and directed the interdisciplinary Molecular Medicine Centre housing 130 researchers and founding what has become an MRC Centre for the Study of the Ageing Brain. His influence extends to national science policy through service on grant committees for the MRC, Wellcome Trust, and Scottish Government's Scientific Advisory Committee, where his expertise shapes funding priorities across the UK. As an elected member of the Councils of both the Academy of Medical Sciences and the Society for Endocrinology, he continues to guide the direction of medical research while serving on boards including Edinburgh University's technology transfer company, BioQuarter, and Health Sciences Scotland. Currently, he advances translational research through leadership of Edinburgh's MRC Developmental Pathway Funding Scheme, catalyzing the movement of scientific discoveries from bench to bedside while maintaining his commitment to training the next generation of clinician-scientists.
