About
Kay Davies is an internationally leading human geneticist whose research interests cover the molecular analysis of neuromuscular and neurological disease, particularly Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). She set up and directed the MRC Functional Genomics Unit for 18 years using genomic tools to elucidate mechanisms of disease. She has published more than 400 papers and pioneered approaches to the therapy of DMD. She has an active interest in the ethical implications of genetics research and the public understanding of science. She is a good communicator, appearing on television and radio. She has considerable experience of biotechnology companies as a conduit for translating the results of experimental science into new therapeutics and diagnostics. Kay is a founding Fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences and a Fellow of the Royal Society. She was appointed Governor of the Wellcome Trust in 2008 and became Deputy Chair 2013-17. She was made Dame Commander of the British Empire for services to science in 2008.
Awards
- Galen Medal in Therapeutics, 2020
- Biochemical Society Centenary Award, 2020
- Croonian Medal and Lecture, Royal Society of London, 2019
- Muscular Dystrophy UK Award for Scientist of the Year, 2015
- William Allan Award, American Society of Human Genetics, 2015
Relevant Publications
- Vuorinen, A., Wilkinson, I. V., Chatzopoulou, M., Edwards, B., Squire, S. E., Fairclough, R. J., ... & Russell, A. J. (2021). Discovery and mechanism of action studies of 4, 6-diphenylpyrimidine-2-carbohydrazides as utrophin modulators for the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 220, 113431.
- Himič, V., & Davies, K. E. (2021). Evaluating the potential of novel genetic approaches for the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. European Journal of Human Genetics, 29(9), 1369-1376.
- Davies, K., & Davies, K. E. (2020). Highway to HHGE: An Interview with Dame Kay E. Davies. The CRISPR Journal, 3(5), 325-331.