Charles Lee, FRSC
Professor, The Robert Alvine Family Endowed Chair
The research laboratory of Dr. Charles Lee at The Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine develops and applies state-of-the-art technologies to study structural genomic variation and its contribution to human diseases and vertebrate genome evolution. His scientific interests also include cancer genomics and clinical diagnostics.
Dr. Lee is responsible for the scientific direction and coordination of The Jackson Laboratory (JAX) for Genomic Medicine. He joined JAX Genomic Medicine from Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women's Hospital and is best known for his discovery of copy-number variation which is widespread and significant in the human genome.
Honors and Appointments
Honors
2024 – Fellow, Korean Academy of Science and Technology
2024 – Doctor of Science - honoris causa, University of Alberta
2018 – Lifetime Achievement Distinguished Alumni Award, University of Alberta, Canada
2014 - Thomson Reuters Citation Laureate in Physiology and Medicine
2012 - Fellow, AAAS, American Association for the Advancement of Science
2012 - Chen Global Investigator Award, Human Genome Organization (HUGO)
2010 - George W. Brumley, Jr., MD Memorial Award, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
2008 - C. Thomas Caskey Lectureship, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
2008 – Samsung Ho-Am Prize in Medicine, Ho-Am Foundation
2007 - American Association for Cancer Research Inaugural Team Award, American Association for Cancer Research
2002 - Stanley L. Robbins Research Award, Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital
1996-1998 - NSERC Postdoctoral Fellowship, Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada
1996 - MRC Postdoctoral Fellowship, Medical Research Council of Canada
1994-1996 - AHFMR PhD Studentship, Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research
Appointments
2020-2023 Adjunct Professor, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju, South Korea
2018-2023 Adjunct Professor, Xi’An Jiaotong University First Affiliated Hospital, Xi’An, China
2017-2023 President, Human Genome Organization (HUGO)
2015-2020 Distinguished Professor, EWHA Womans University, Seoul, South Korea
2013-2015 Visiting Professor, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
2013-2020 American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG) Awards Committee
2013-Present Scientific Director, The Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine
2011-2023 Honorary Professor, Chinese University of Hong Kong
2009-2013 Director, Molecular Genetic Research Unit, Brigham and Women’s Hospital
2008-2013 Associate Professor, Pathology, Harvard Medical School
2003-2008 Assistant Professor, Pathology, Harvard Medical School
2001-2003 Instructor, Pathology, Harvard Medical School
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Media ReleaseOctober 29, 2024JAX researchers unveil method to map immune cell connections, predicting patient survival in cancer
Researchers at The Jackson Laboratory have developed a new combination of imaging and computational methods to study connections between immune cells in breast cancer and melanoma -
Media ReleaseOctober 09, 2024Study probes how eating less can extend lifespan
Researchers at The Jackson Laboratory conduct pivotal study into aging and lifespan to uncover new details about how diets might make people live longer — but also their negative side effects -
ArticleSeptember 10, 2024Charles Lee elected to the Royal Society of Canada
This recognition by the Society is its highest honor in the academic fields of arts, social sciences, humanities and sciences. -
Featured ArticleJuly 09, 2024Bringing critical perspectives to genomic medicine research
Leading with compassion, Elizabeth Charnysh represents a team of genetic counselors established seven years ago as part of a comprehensive strategy to study the impact of genomic medicine research on human health.
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Media ReleaseOctober 17, 2024Why do we love carbs? The origins predate agriculture and maybe even our split from Neanderthals
Study from The University at Buffalo and The Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine finds the gene for starch-digesting saliva may have first duplicated more than 800,000 years ago, seeding the genetic variation that shapes our modern diet. -
ArticleOctober 08, 2024Cancer research trainees advance their skills at JAX with support from the American Cancer Society
Earlier this year, The Jackson Laboratory’s NCI-designated Basic Research Cancer Center and the American Cancer Society (ACS) teamed up to have ACS-funded trainees attend advanced cancer courses at JAX, aiming to deepen their understanding of cutting-edge cancer research techniques through experiential learning. -
Research HighlightJuly 10, 2024Charles Lee continues to sequence repetitive areas of the genome
Charles Lee co-leads the Human Genome Structural Variation Consortium and is uncovering structural variations in the human genome. -
Featured ArticleJuly 09, 2024What is genetic biomarker testing?
Genetic testing is a powerful tool in the fight against cancer, playing a crucial role in both prevention and personalized treatment. But what exactly are the different types of genetic tests, and how do they help?