Abu Dhabi, UAE, 30 October 2024: M42, a global health leader leveraging technology to drive healthcare innovation, has appointed Paul Jones as CEO of its Omics Centre of Excellence. This appointment underscores M42’s commitment to harnessing genomics to enhance global health outcomes, particularly through advancements in disease prevention, early detection, optimized treatment, and comprehensive monitoring.
With Paul’s leadership, the Omics Centre will advance genomics initiatives in Abu Dhabi, focusing on precision medicine solutions designed to meet the unique health needs of individuals in the UAE and beyond. Paul’s role will include overseeing large-scale genomics projects, such as the Emirati Genome Program, which aims to embed genomics within national health priorities. Additionally, he will champion the integration of advanced technologies with potential for widespread impact across populations.
Hasan Jasem Al Nowais, Managing Director and Group CEO of M42 and Chairman of Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, commented, “M42 is at the forefront of multi-omics research, accelerating the development of preventive, predictive, and personalized health solutions. We are thrilled to welcome Paul to lead our Omics Centre, as his expertise will drive transformative collaborations across government, academic, and clinical spheres globally. These partnerships are key to realizing our mission of fostering healthier, more resilient communities.”
Reflecting on his new role, Paul stated, “I am excited to join M42 and lead groundbreaking work in genomics, moving toward precision medicine and preventive health. Genomic data will advance personalized treatments and innovative therapies. The Omics Centre of Excellence, one of the most advanced facilities globally, stands poised for significant growth and impact. I look forward to collaborating with our world-class team to realize our ambitious global vision.”
Paul’s extensive 30-year career in life sciences spans pharmaceuticals, consulting, big tech, and digital health, with over a decade dedicated to genomics. Formerly the Global Head of Population Genomics at Illumina, Inc., Paul has spearheaded large-scale genomic programs in over 50 countries. His track record includes leading Genomics England’s 100,000 Genomes Project, a landmark initiative in rare disease and cancer research that established the NHS Genomic Medicine Service, the first national healthcare system to offer whole genome sequencing. His leadership of Vortex Biosciences further highlights his commitment to bridging academia, industry, and healthcare for genomic innovation.
As the largest and most technologically advanced omics facility in the region, M42’s Omics Centre of Excellence combines high automation in sample processing and computational power. In collaboration with the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, the Centre supports the Emirati Genome Program, employing AI-driven analysis to generate data insights that influence healthcare and drug discovery.
