Deborah Mackay studied Biochemistry at the University of Oxford, took her PhD in cell biology at the Imperial Cancer Research Fund, London, and was a research fellow at University College London before moving to Southampton. Now as Professor of Medical Epigenetics, she works on imprinting disorders: rare conditions that occur when molecular processes of human reproduction and development are disturbed. As an international research leader in this field, she has over 100 publications including papers in Nature Genetics, Lancet, and Zygon, and lectures on genetics and epigenetics for patient organisations, lay interest groups, and academic and clinical audiences at all levels. 

 

Deborah became an ordained deacon in the Diocese of Salisbury in 2023. She is serving as an assistant curate in the diocese, and is gaining experience at speaking into the interface of science and religion.

​

Deborah joined the committee in 2024.