Genetics encompasses many strengths from within the University, including interactions with the neurosciences theme in the specific area of optical genetics and developmental biology.

The School of Genetics & Microbiology also has major interests in other areas including bacterial genetics, genetics of populations including human and animal and specific strategic strengths in informatics. In addition, the School has a significant interest in the process of cell death which has specific implications for both cancer and inflammatory diseases.

As the complex genetics of common disease becomes more understood, it is likely that the discipline of genetics will increasingly become involved in areas of health policy. Furthermore, development of transgenic models of disease and the laboratory-based therapeutics for such conditions are likely to lead to the basis for clinical trials of gene/RNAi based therapeutics in the future.