Biography
Prof Scott Geoffrey Wilson is Head of the Molecular Endocrine Genetics Laboratory at the Department of Endocrinology & Diabetes, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, and Adjunct Professor at The University of Western Australia. He also holds a visiting appointment as Senior Lecturer at King’s College London.
Prof Wilson’s research focuses on the genetic and epigenetic basis of complex endocrine diseases, including osteoporosis and metabolic bone disease, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and thyroid dysfunction. He has published extensively in the fields of bone, thyroid and reproductive endocrinology, with contributions to high-impact studies of gene regulation, chromatin architecture, and functional genomics. His group applies diverse genomic approaches, from genome-wide association studies and family-based linkage to chromatin conformation mapping, CRISPR-based screens, and massively parallel reporter assays, to uncover disease mechanisms and identify effector genes.
Prof Wilson previously led international gene discovery efforts in the UK, including early genome-wide screens for complex traits with various biotechnology companies (e.g. Gemini Genomics, Sequenom-Gemini) and through collaborative projects with Celera Genomics in the USA. He later participated in the large-scale UK10K project, supporting whole-genome sequencing analyses to identify rare disease-associated variants. Throughout his career, he has played a key role in the development and application of microarray and sequencing technologies for gene mapping and disease gene discovery, particularly in the context of skeletal and endocrine disorders. He is a co-author on more than 110 peer-reviewed publications, including papers in Nature, Nature Genetics, Nature Communications, American Journal of Human Genetics, Journal of Bone and Mineral Research, and Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. His work has helped define regulatory mechanisms for disease-associated variants and in particular has influenced the understanding of skeletal genetics.
Prof Wilson maintains an active role in national and international research leadership, including membership of the GEnetic Factors for OSteoporosis Consortium (GEFOS), The International Polycystic Ovary Consortium and the ThyroidOmics Consortium, and contributes to peer review for major journals and funding bodies. He also mentors postgraduate researchers and contributes to research training in endocrine genetics and molecular biology.