The American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG) has elected Jeffrey C. Murray, M.D., professor of pediatrics, epidemiology, nursing, and biological sciences at the University of Iowa, to serve as the society's president starting Jan. 1, 2013.

Murray specializes inhuman molecular genetics, and his clinical work provides care to newborn infants and children with birth defects. His research focuses on identifying genetic and environmental causes of complex diseases.

He has had a global influence on the field of orofacial clefting, both in his group’s pioneering work on the molecular genetic underpinnings of these birth defects and in the clinical care of affected patients. He has contributed widely to many areas of human genetics and genomics, including his work in large-scale genetic mapping that was one of the early successes of the Human Genome Project. Murray also maintains a strong interest in the ethical and social issues confronting the use and implementation of genetic technologies. Learn more about his work here.

“Jeff Murray is the quintessential human geneticist and a model clinician/scientist,” says ASHG Executive Vice President Joann Boughman. “Dr. Murray’s lab is making significant contributions to basic science and translational research by finding the key genetic factors that play a role in the complex processes of normal and abnormal development."

ASHG is the leading professional membership organization for human genetics specialists worldwide, representing nearly 8,000 researchers, academicians, clinicians, genetic counselors, nurses, and others with an interest in the field.