Professor Andrew Sinclair

contact details

  Professor Andrew Sinclair
  Molecular Development
  Murdoch Childrens Research Institute
  Royal Children's Hospital
  Flemington Road
  Parkville Victoria 3052

  T +61 3 8341 6425
  F +61 3 8341 6429
  E andrew.sinclair@mcri.edu.au

biography

Andrew Sinclair was awarded his PhD in molecular genetics and subsequently, undertook a postdoctoral fellowship in London (1988-1992). During this fellowship he discovered the human testis-determining gene, unique to the male Y chromosome. His publication in Nature on the discovery of the testis-determining gene SRY, has become a 'citation classic', with over 1,300 citations. This work was acclaimed internationally as one of the great breakthroughs in genetics for the century. His research has been used to improve the diagnostics and clinical management of intersex children. In 1993, he moved to the Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne and then to the Murdoch Institute. He has continued to publish extensively, has been awarded numerous prizes and had continuous external funding totaling over $8 million, including a prestigious NHMRC Program Grant, Fellowship and ARC Centre of Excellence. In 2004, he was elected President of the Australian Society of Medical Research. In this role he led public and political advocacy to increase Federal Government investment in medical research. Recently, he was appointed by the Federal Minister for Health to the Australian Biotechnology Advisory Council.

research focus & interest

Andrew currently works on understanding the molecular regulation of gonad development and germ cell differentiation. Alterations in this regulation can result in children of uncertain sex, testicular cancer and infertility.