Head’s Message

"Welcome to the Department of Medical Genetics and Molecular Medicine at Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, one of the well-established departments in the field of medical genetics and molecular medicine. We are proud of our heritage, built upon decades of scientific dedication, academic development, and institutional growth. Our department is not only a place of academic learning but also a center for advanced genetic research and diagnostic services. By training students at the MSc and PhD levels in Medical Genetics and at the PhD level in Molecular Medicine, and by actively contributing to genetic diagnostic services and research, we ensure that advances in genetics and molecular medicine remain closely connected to patient care and medical progress. We invite you to explore our academic programs and join our vibrant community of scholars and practitioners dedicated to advancing medical genetics, molecular medicine, and precision healthcare."

Overview

The Department of Medical Genetics and Molecular Medicine stands as a center of excellence in genetic research and diagnostic services at Mashhad University of Medical Sciences. The department’s roots trace back to 1985 with the establishment of the first Medical Genetics Laboratory. Over the decades, it evolved through the founding of the Human Genetics Unit at the Bu-Ali Research Institute in 2000 and gained independence in 2008. In 2018, the department formally merged with the field of Molecular Medicine, creating a multidisciplinary academic unit that bridges foundational genetic science with clinical application.

Expertise and Clinical Scope

Our faculty, comprised of 12 distinguished members, possesses extensive expertise in cytogenetics, molecular diagnostics, and genetic counseling. We provide robust scientific and technical support to regional diagnostic centers and operate five specialized laboratories, including:

• Cytogenetics Laboratory: Specializing in chromosomal analysis, including prenatal (amniocentesis) and cancer cytogenetics.
• Molecular and Cell Culture Labs: Focused on DNA extraction, PCR, Real-time PCR, and stem cell differentiation.
• Diagnostic Genetics Unit (Ghaem Hospital): Providing critical diagnostic services for conditions such as thalassemia, muscular dystrophy (Duchenne), SMA, Cystic Fibrosis, and hearing loss.
• Medical Genetics Research Center: Dedicated to exploring the molecular basis of syndromic genetic disorders.

Educational & Research Mission

We are committed to training the next generation of specialists through our MSc and PhD programs in Medical Genetics and PhD program in Molecular Medicine. Our educational philosophy emphasizes active, student-centered learning that connects theoretical knowledge with clinical problem-solving. Our research agenda is multidisciplinary, focusing on the molecular mechanisms of disease, genetic therapy, and translational medicine. We aim to equip graduates with the analytical skills necessary to interpret complex genetic phenomena and contribute to diagnostic and therapeutic advancements in clinical practice.