Dr Mark Leech

After graduating from The University of Hertfordshire with a BSc in Applied Biology, Mark Leech obtained his PhD from The University of Manchester in Plant Genetics and Biochemistry. He then took up a postdoctoral position at the John Innes Centre (JIC) in Norwich to study the genetics and biology of plant seed and leaf development. In 1997, he was appointed to lead a multidisciplinary group at JIC.

In 2001, he decided to take a career break from scientific research and worked with a local council to develop a national social care project for carers.

Mark joined Nowgen in February 2006 to work in the Public Engagement, Education and Training team. In collaboration with research and clinical scientists, he has developed a series of accredited national, recurrent laboratory-based training courses that help clinicians, scientists and other professionals keep abreast of emerging technologies in medical genetics. His work also includes overseeing hands-on molecular genetics workshops for A-level students that have proved extremely popular with both teachers and students.