Professor Patrick Chinnery

MRC Executive Chair

Professor Patrick Chinnery FRS FMedSci FRCP is the Executive Chair of the Medical Research Council (MRC).

Professor Chinnery is also a practising neurologist at Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge, where his clinical expertise complements his leadership, bridging advanced science and healthcare delivery.

An internationally recognised expert in mitochondrial genomics, Professor Chinnery’s research focuses on genetic disorders of the nervous system caused by mitochondrial dysfunction. At the MRC Mitochondrial Biology Unit, his team advances understanding of these diseases by:

  • identifying nuclear and mitochondrial gene defects
  • uncovering their mechanisms
  • developing potential treatments through experimental medicine and clinical trials

In 2024, Professor Chinnery was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society in recognition of his significant contributions to science. He has been honoured with:

  • Fellowship of the Academy of Medical Sciences (2009)
  • Foulkes Foundation Medal (2011)
  • Galen Medal (2023)

He is also an Emeritus Senior Investigator of the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), and co-chairs the NIHR BioResource for Translational Research in Common and Rare Diseases.

Last updated: 21 February 2025

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