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Report of the General Board on the establishment of a Professorship of Neurological Genetics

The GENERAL BOARD beg leave to report to the University as follows:

1. In recent years there has been substantial growth of knowledge about the genetic basis of disease; in particular, important advances have been made in understanding the genetics of medical disorders which primarily affect the nervous system. The mutational basis of such disorders is an increasingly important field of current research, which has already led to a considerable increase in the availability of genetic counselling and accurate tests for disease predisposition. Furthermore, the discovery of genes involved in specific diseases, for example, neurofibromatosis, Huntington's Chorea, and many forms of mental retardation, is leading to the development of new research approaches. Within the Faculty of Clinical Medicine, research is now expanding into the more common neurological disorders, such as Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia, while the Department of Medical Genetics has major research interests in the genetics of neurological and neuromuscular diseases.

2. The medical importance of inherited neurological disorders has also led recently to a significant increase in the demand for systematic teaching of the topic within the genetic components of the pre-medical and clinical courses. The interests of cognate institutions provide additional opportunities for collaborative teaching and research with a number of other Departments within the University.

3. The Faculty Board of Clinical Medicine attach a high priority to the field of neurological genetics, and they have informed the General Board that in their view the subject is now sufficiently important to justify the creation of a distinct subsection within the academic programmes in medical genetics. They have proposed the establishment of a Professorship of Neurological Genetics, at Consultant level, for a single tenure in the Faculty of Clinical Medicine. The full cost of the Professorship would be met from funds provided by the Addenbrooke's NHS Trust. The Professor would be expected to develop the strong possibilities which exist for collaborative research between the neurosciences and medical genetics; both these fields have been designated as strategic areas for development within the School of Clinical Medicine.

4. The General Board have accepted the case made by the Faculty Board. The establishment of the Professorship would be conditional on the full cost continuing to be met from funds available to the Clinical School, in the first instance, by the Addenbrooke's NHS Trust. Should NHS financial support cease prematurely, the cost of the office would be met by the Faculty Board from within their existing resources, ahead of any new developments or the filling of vacant offices. The General Board are assured that suitable accommodation and the necessary support and facilities for the Professor can be provided from resources presently available to the Department of Medical Genetics. The Addenbrooke's NHS Trust have agreed to award an Honorary NHS Consultant contract to the successful candidate. The Board are satisfied that an appointment at this level will be likely to attract a strong field of candidates.

5. The General Board accordingly propose that a Professorship of Neurological Genetics, at Consultant level, be established in the University for one tenure from 1 January 1999, and assigned to the Department of Medical Genetics. They have agreed to concur in the view of the Faculty Board of Clinical Medicine that the election to the Professorship should be made by an ad hoc Board of Electors and that candidature should be open without limitation or preference to all persons whose work falls within the general field of the title of the office.

6. The General Board recommend:

That a Professorship of Neurological Genetics be established for one tenure from 1 January 1999, placed in Schedule B of the Statutes, and assigned to the Department of Medical Genetics.

21 October 1998

ALEC N. BROERS, Vice-Chancellor JOHN A. LEAKE A. C. MINSON
JOHN E. CARROLL PETER LIPTON MICHAEL PEPPER
D. A. GOOD N. J. MACKINTOSH ADRIAN POOLE
D. E. L. JOHNSTON D. H. MELLOR K. B. PRETTY

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Cambridge University Reporter, 28 October 1998
Copyright © 1998 The Chancellor, Masters and Scholars of the University of Cambridge.