Richard A. Gibbs, Ph.D.

Baylor College of Medicine

Dr. Gibbs received a Ph.D. in Genetics and Radiation Biology in 1986 from the University of Melbourne, Australia. He subsequently moved to Houston as a postdoctoral fellow to study the molecular basis of human X-linked diseases and to develop technologies for rapid genetic analysis. During this period he also developed several fundamental technologies for nucleic acid analysis.

In 1991 he joined the faculty at Baylor College of Medicine (BCM) and played a key role in the early planning and development phases of the Human Genome Project (HGP). In 1996, Dr. Gibbs established the BCM Human Genome Sequencing Center, one of three NIH groups to complete the final phase of the HGP. Under his leadership the group subsequently undertook multiple additional genome projects, including drosophila, rat, the honey bee, sea urchin and the bovine.

In addition, Dr. Gibbs has made fundamental contributions to human genetics, through identification of rare variants in population studies, and following their role in human disease. Most recently these technologies have been translated into clinical applications in detecting genetic disease and somatic changes in cancer. Dr. Gibbs has been the recipient of numerous honors and awards, including the Michael E. DeBakey, MD, Excellence in Research Award. He currently holds the rank of Director and Professor.