Rate My Professor Siddharth Banka

Siddharth Banka is Clinical Professor in the Division of Evolution, Infection and Genomics at the University of Manchester and Professor of Genomic Medicine and Rare Diseases. He graduated with an MBBS from the University of Mumbai in 2002, obtained MRCPCH in 2006, completed a PhD at the University of Manchester in 2012 and received his CCST in Clinical Genetics in 2013. He was appointed Clinical Senior Lecturer and Consultant Clinical Geneticist in 2013 and has held his current professorial position since 2021. Banka is also a Consultant Clinical Geneticist at Manchester University NHS Trust and Founding Clinical Director of the Manchester Rare Conditions Centre.

His research focuses on the identification and mechanistic understanding of rare genetic diseases, particularly neurodevelopmental and congenital malformation disorders caused by defects in chromatin regulation and the non-coding genome. He has led or contributed to the discovery of more than 50 novel genetic diseases and uses cellular and organismal models to define disease mechanisms, with the aim of improving diagnosis, management and treatment. Banka co-directs the MRC/NIHR EpiGenRare Node and co-leads the Rare Conditions theme of the NIHR Manchester Biomedical Research Centre. He holds additional leadership roles in national rare disease networks and academic training programmes.