The genetic backbone of Medicine: A Dinner Talk with Prof. David McConnell

This week, Morningside College welcomed Prof. David McConnell during communal dinner for a talk entitled: “Genetics: a Science behind the new Medicine.” Professor David McConnell is the former Head of Genetics at Trinity College Dublin, and has conducted research in the field of Genetics with prestigious international institutions for over 30 years. He spoke about the history of genetic research around the world, and of the important role gene mapping increasingly plays in the field of Medicine.

He argued that in the era of new Medicine, understanding the genetic code behind viruses and pathogens is the key to providing better medical treatment. He celebrated the role universities play in developing ground-breaking research on disease treatment options, but highlighted the necessity of a three-pronged partnership balanced between government and philanthropic investment, universities, and the private pharmaceutical sector. His talk was followed by a Q and A with students in which he advised Morningside medical students to focus on their biochemistry, and encouraged them to pursue research in the field of Genetics.