The Department of Genetics was formed in January 2016 from the Medical Biology Program, the Laboratory of Translational Oncology, and the Laboratory of Molecular and Population Genetics. The departmenthosts 3 professors, 8 associated professors, 8 lecturers, and 5 staff members. The department chair is Professor Guang Li.
The mission of the department is to better understand the genetic basis of genetic and complex trait diseases. Research programs span medical genetics, stem cell biology, aging, population genetics, cancer genetics, bioinformatics, proteomics, and biomaterials. During the past 4 years, the department has published more than 102peer reviewed papers.The Molecular Biology and Genetics Program at Tianjin Medical University ranked in the top 1% of the ESI (Essential Science Indicators) citation database. Since 2016, researchers in the department have received grants for more than 30 million RMB (over $4.5M).In 2017, Professor Guang Li became the principal investigator of a National Key R&D Program of China.
The department is committed to medical genetics education for undergraduates and graduate students. The department teaches 16 courses (over 1500 hours per year), including Medical Cell Biology, Medical Genetics, Genetic Counselling, and Chromosomes&Cancer. The Medical Cell Biology was ranked among top “elite courses” in Tianjin City. Professor Guang Li was awarded as an Outstanding Teacher, and the department was honored as one of the best teaching teams in Tianjin City. As editor-in-chief, vice editors-in-chief, and writers, professors in the department published 4 major textbooks for all medical students in China. Teachers have been giventop awards in national level teaching competitions. As a platform for scientific education, the department helped undergraduate students get into 7 of the most prestigious student research programs in China, including the “Challenge Cup” and the “National Innovation Programs for College Students”. Over 30 graduate students are now studying at the department.Since2016,8 students have earned their Ph.D. degrees and 15received master’s degrees. The department also provides 9-year training programs for students majoring in basic medical sciences (the Dr. Hsien-I Chu Program).
The department also hosts the Committee of Genetic Counselling of the Tianjin Medical Association. Professor Guang Li is the Chairwoman of the committee. Working with clinical doctors, the department engaged in the diagnosis, prevention, and improving treatment of inherited diseases and birth defects. Every year, the department holds lectures to general population for knowledge of medical genetics.