Michael Dixon

Biography

Michael initially trained as a dentist at the University of Manchester, obtaining his BDS in 1983. Subsequently, Michael completed a PhD in developmental biology at Manchester in 1988, thereafter undertaking post-doctoral training in human genetics at Saint Mary’s Hospital, London. Michael is currently Professor of Dental Genetics at the University of Manchester with research interests in normal and abnormal facial development with particular emphasis on cleft lip and cleft palate. 

Michael’s research group has played a central role in the identification of the genetic mutations underlying a number of human facial malformation syndromes including Treacher Collins syndrome, Papillon-Lefevre syndrome, Van der Woude/popliteal pterygium syndrome, amelogenesis imperfecta, and dentine dysplasia. This research is funded by major grants from Wellcome Trust, the Medical Research Council and the National Institute for Dental and Craniofacial Research, USA. 

Michael’s research has been recognised by the award of several national and international prizes including the prestigious International Association for Dental Research Craniofacial Biology Research Award, 2001. In 2003, Michael was awarded the Fellowship in Dental Surgery by election, from the Royal College of Surgeons of England. Michael takes an active interest in communicating research findings to patient groups

Research Networks and Beacons

• Manchester Informatics

Biology, Medicine and Health (BMH) Domains

• Cellular & Development Systems
• Evolution, Systems and Genomics