Wellcome Sanger Institute appoints new Deputy Director
As Deputy Director, Professor Haniffa will work closely with Institute Director Professor Matthew Hurles and senior leaders across both the Wellcome Sanger Institute and Wellcome, sharing in day-to-day leadership decisions and liaising with key external partners. In addition, Muzz will oversee a key area of the Sanger’s mission to nurture the next generation of world-leading genomic scientists. She will guide the strategic development of Sanger’s Academic Programmes — including its graduate and postdoctoral programmes, Faculty and Associate Faculty models.
“Muzz is not only a pioneering scientist but also an inspiring and collaborative leader. Her passion, vision, and commitment to excellence have already made a huge impact at Sanger. Muzz personifies our four key values (Pioneering, Adaptability, Openness, Teamwork), and I know the Institute will thrive with her playing a broader role in shaping our future direction. Personally, I am looking forward to working even more closely with Muzz as our complementary working styles will help us to catalyse Sanger’s science to power the next wave of genomic discovery to transform healthcare and deliver societal benefit.”
Professor Matthew Hurles, Director of the Wellcome Sanger Institute
Professor Haniffa has wide experience of clinical and academic organisations. She studied medicine at Cardiff University and trained at Addenbrookes and Papworth Hospitals, Cambridge and Newcastle Hospitals. Muzz continues to practise as a consultant dermatologist at Newcastle’s Royal Infirmary. Her experience in academic research began at Newcastle University, where she established her research group, and overseas at A*STAR Singapore Immunology Network before playing a leading role in the Human Cell Atlas consortium and joining the Sanger Institute. She has first-hand knowledge of the Institute’s academic programmes as she originally joined the Sanger Institute as an Associate Faculty in 2020 before becoming a full member of Faculty two years ago and leading the Cellular Genomics programme for the past year.
“As an NHS consultant and research clinician, I know how genomic research has unlocked biological understanding and is transforming healthcare. I am excited to support Matt in enabling the Institute to drive forward genomic discovery to improve clinical care, make biology programmable, and enable conservation efforts. The Institute has a long history of developing and openly sharing foundational knowledge and datasets with the global research community for the benefit of all. These insights and discoveries are only possible through the ambition, inspiration, skill and determination of dedicated researchers. I am delighted that I will be overseeing the training and support of the next wave of genomic research leaders.”
Professor Muzlifah Haniffa, Head of Cellular Genomics and incoming Deputy Director of the Wellcome Sanger Institute
