Jeffrey M. Trent, Ph.D., F.A.C.M.G, was the National Human Genome Research Institute's (NHGRI) founding scientific director, serving in this role for more than nine years. His leadership and vision were instrumental in establishing NHGRI's Division of Intramural Research as one of the premier research programs in the world devoted to genetics and genomics. In recognition of his significant contributions to the research environment at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), NHGRI established the annual Jeffrey M. Trent Lecture in Cancer Research in 2003. This lecture is given by a prominent cancer researcher who brings the kind of energy, creativity and enthusiasm to cancer research that Dr. Trent has exemplified throughout his career.
Dr. Trent received his undergraduate degree from Indiana University, Bloomington, and his M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in genetics from the University of Arizona, Tucson. Prior to joining NHGRI, he was the Emanuel N. Maisel Professor of Oncology and Professor of Radiation Oncology and Human Genetics at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. He also served as director of the Division of Cancer Biology, and director of basic sciences at the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center. In 1993, Dr. Trent came to NIH with Dr. Francis Collins to establish and direct its newly formed Division of Intramural Research. Following his departure from NHGRI, Dr. Trent became the founding president and research director of the Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen) in Phoenix.
Dr. Trent's research has provided important insights into the genetic basis of cancer. He is the author of more than 350 manuscripts in the scientific literature, numerous book chapters, invited reviews, and has given hundreds of invited lectures. He has received numerous honors and awards, and has sat on the editorial boards of a dozen scientific publications. He specializes in developing and integrating novel "omic" technologies, in support of clinical decision support in oncology patients.
Dr. Trent continues to lead studies of the genetic basis of various complex diseases in humans, as well as leading TGen's canine hereditary cancer program.