The Semple Lab

Computational genomics at the MRC HGU

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We are a computational biology group based in the Institute of Genetics and Cancer (IGC) at the University of Edinburgh with research interests in cancer genomics and molecular evolution. We analyse large-scale genomic, transcriptomic and epigenomic datasets to shed light on the regulatory mechanisms encoded in the human genome. We also study the ways genome function can be disrupted, particularly in tumour types with extreme structural alterations. The aim is to reveal new tumour biology, leading to novel diagnostics and therapies. We collaborate with a wide range of experimental biologists and clinicians, from groups of local researchers to international consortia. Our group also includes the Bioinformatics Analysis Core, offering collaborative expertise in bioinformatics to the >500 researchers at the IGC. Our work is funded by the MRC, CRUK and CSO.

Please note that any vacancies in the lab are not advertised here – when they exist they can be found on the IGC jobs and studentships pages.

These susceptible isles

October 7, 2024

Fascinating insights into the regional differentiation within the UK and Ireland – with Mike Halachev, Jim Wilson and others. Remarkably, even with the current – far from complete – genomic coverage of regional populations we see evidence for different rare variants within different regions. With conservative filtering we find that a fraction of these regionally … More These susceptible isles

HGU funding boost

July 25, 2023

The MRC Human Genetics Unit (where we are located) has successfully secured funding for another 5 years from the UK MRC, totalling £46.3M, as reported by the BBC and others. This is the culmination of a ~18month process from preparations for review, review of research proposals, a site visit by a review panel and subsequent … More HGU funding boost