Professor Anna Middleton is a leading social scientist and genetic counsellor specialising in the ethical and societal dimensions of genomics. She was the inaugural Director of the Kavli Centre for Ethics, Science, and the Public at the University of Cambridge, securing the founding grant that established the Centre. She also founded the Engagement and Society programme at Wellcome Connecting Science, shaping global research on public attitudes to genomics. Her work bridges science and society, influencing policy, clinical practice, and international dialogue. Widely recognised for her leadership, she has advised national and global initiatives on genomics, ethics, and public engagement.
Since 2021 Anna has been commissioning film-makers and producing films on ethical and societal issues raised by genetics; her work has received multiple film festival awards from across the world. She was also honoured with the 2023 Collaboration Award from the University of Cambridge’s Vice-Chancellor Awards for Research Impact and Engagement.
Building a career based on a PhD in Psychology and Genetics, an MSc in Genetic Counselling, and a BSc in Genetics, Anna has delivered significant leadership roles, e.g. past chair of the Association of Genetic Nurses and Counsellors, and vice-chair of the former Genetic Counselling Registration Board, these have positioned her as an eminent figure in the field of genetic counselling, both nationally and internationally. She has been instrumental in developing genetic counselling policy and education, having co-founded the World Congress on Genetic Counselling at Wellcome Connecting Science and designed the original Genomic Practice for Genetic Counsellors course. She has also co-written the core curriculum for the University of Cambridge MSt Genomic Medicine modules on counselling and genomics, and was part of the original curriculum development team that created the STP training for genomic counsellors in the UK.
Her expertise is sought after in high-calibre forums, evidenced by her previous involvement with the World Economic Forum’s Biotechnology Council, chairing Genomics England and Sciencewise’s deliberations on the NHS’s Social Contract with patients, and her selection as the Genomics and Ethics expert for the Secretary of State for Health’s Topol review on the future of the NHS in genomics, robotics, and AI.
Throughout her tenure at Wellcome Sanger Institute, and her research leadership at Cardiff University as well as clinical work as a senior genetic counsellor in the NHS, Anna has always endeavoured to find new, evidence-based methods to better connect science and society. This has been fostered via multiple professional collaborations with expert creatives, e.g. from Ridley Scott Film Productions and executives from the film, advertising and PR industries.
Utilising her academic training in both quantitative and qualitative social sciences methods she has actively researched public attitudes towards genomic data sharing, trustworthiness in genomics research, incidental findings from whole genome studies, testing in pregnancy for deafness, and the accessibility of genetic counselling services. Anna’s impact extends beyond academia into real-world policy and societal change, underscoring her dedication to an inclusive, ethically conscious, and dialogue-driven future in science. Her approach to public engagement research utilises creative techniques, embodying her belief that effective communication is both an art form and a means of shared meaning-making. This synergy between academic excellence and societal discourse, shapes an inclusive future in which science and ethics coalesce to inform and empower public and scientist appreciation of the ethical issues raised by cutting edge science.