Globally Renowned Molecular Genetics Expert, Birgit Funke, PhD, Joins Veritas Genetics As Vice President Of Clinical Affairs
Dr. Funke to Accelerate Variant Classification and Automation Capabilities as Company Scales to Provide Whole Genome Sequencing and Interpretation to Global Consumer Market
Boston, MA, February 8, 2017 - Veritas Genetics, the global leader in genetic sequencing and interpretation, welcomes Birgit Funke, PhD, FACMG as Vice President of Clinical Affairs. A board-certified clinical molecular geneticist, Funke is also an Associate Professor of Pathology at Harvard Medical School.
As sequencing increasingly becomes a commodity, the ability to provide highly sophisticated, whole genome interpretation at scale has become a key industry differentiator. In her new role, Dr. Funke joins Veritas Genetics’ team of over 100 people made up of curators, bioinformaticians and developers to streamline the company’s interpretation process, implement automation and deliver actionable, clinical insights to consumers (and their physicians) around the world.
In addition to joining Veritas Genetics, Funke will continue her work at Partners Healthcare’s cutting-edge Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, a CLIA-certified molecular diagnostic laboratory. Throughout her many years of driving advances in genetics, Dr. Funke has been at the forefront of employing groundbreaking discoveries, including being among the first to implement next generation sequencing in a clinic setting.
“Veritas Genetics caught my attention when they broke the $1,000 whole genome barrier. I thought this is a company dedicated to driving major advancements in genomics and committing the resources to do so,” explained Dr. Funke. “Together, we are on a mission to make whole genome sequencing and interpretation more accessible, affordable and understandable to people around the world. This is the next step towards preventing disease instead of solely treating it.”
Dr. Funke serves on the following industry associations and organizations:
• Co-Chair, Cardiovascular Domain Working Group, ClinGen
• Chair, Genetics Subdivision, Association for Molecular Pathology (AMP)
• Advisor, Next Generation Sequencing, Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
• Member, Next Generation Sequencing Project Team, College of American Pathologists (CAP)
“We are focused on building the strongest sequencing and interpretation team in the industry, and Birgit will be central to our strategy for variant interpretation and classification, expanding our infrastructure and automating the process.This is a key requirement to scale the interpretation process globally,” said Mirza Cifric, Co-founder and CEO of Veritas Genetics. “She is one of the strongest forces behind the advancement of molecular genetics, and she has a genuine passion for ensuring people across the globe have access to this powerful information.To say we are incredibly excited to have her join our team is an understatement.”
Photos of Birgit Funke, PhD available upon request.
About Veritas Genetics
Veritas Genetics is a global pioneer in consumer genetics by availing accessible genetic information to individuals, physicians, and medical researchers. By removing barriers to genetic screening and whole genome sequencing, Veritas Genetics empowers individuals and doctors to make informed lifestyle decisions that help people live longer, healthier lives. The company was recently recognized by MIT Technology Review as one of the top “50 Smartest Companies 2016 in the World.” Veritas was founded by leaders in genomics from Harvard Medical School and operates globally from its offices in the U.S., Europe and China. Learn more at veritasgenetics.com.
Boston, MA, February 8, 2017 - Veritas Genetics, the global leader in genetic sequencing and interpretation, welcomes Birgit Funke, PhD, FACMG as Vice President of Clinical Affairs. A board-certified clinical molecular geneticist, Funke is also an Associate Professor of Pathology at Harvard Medical School.
As sequencing increasingly becomes a commodity, the ability to provide highly sophisticated, whole genome interpretation at scale has become a key industry differentiator. In her new role, Dr. Funke joins Veritas Genetics’ team of over 100 people made up of curators, bioinformaticians and developers to streamline the company’s interpretation process, implement automation and deliver actionable, clinical insights to consumers (and their physicians) around the world.
In addition to joining Veritas Genetics, Funke will continue her work at Partners Healthcare’s cutting-edge Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, a CLIA-certified molecular diagnostic laboratory. Throughout her many years of driving advances in genetics, Dr. Funke has been at the forefront of employing groundbreaking discoveries, including being among the first to implement next generation sequencing in a clinic setting.
“Veritas Genetics caught my attention when they broke the $1,000 whole genome barrier. I thought this is a company dedicated to driving major advancements in genomics and committing the resources to do so,” explained Dr. Funke. “Together, we are on a mission to make whole genome sequencing and interpretation more accessible, affordable and understandable to people around the world. This is the next step towards preventing disease instead of solely treating it.”
Dr. Funke serves on the following industry associations and organizations:
• Co-Chair, Cardiovascular Domain Working Group, ClinGen
• Chair, Genetics Subdivision, Association for Molecular Pathology (AMP)
• Advisor, Next Generation Sequencing, Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
• Member, Next Generation Sequencing Project Team, College of American Pathologists (CAP)
“We are focused on building the strongest sequencing and interpretation team in the industry, and Birgit will be central to our strategy for variant interpretation and classification, expanding our infrastructure and automating the process.This is a key requirement to scale the interpretation process globally,” said Mirza Cifric, Co-founder and CEO of Veritas Genetics. “She is one of the strongest forces behind the advancement of molecular genetics, and she has a genuine passion for ensuring people across the globe have access to this powerful information.To say we are incredibly excited to have her join our team is an understatement.”
Photos of Birgit Funke, PhD available upon request.
About Veritas Genetics
Veritas Genetics is a global pioneer in consumer genetics by availing accessible genetic information to individuals, physicians, and medical researchers. By removing barriers to genetic screening and whole genome sequencing, Veritas Genetics empowers individuals and doctors to make informed lifestyle decisions that help people live longer, healthier lives. The company was recently recognized by MIT Technology Review as one of the top “50 Smartest Companies 2016 in the World.” Veritas was founded by leaders in genomics from Harvard Medical School and operates globally from its offices in the U.S., Europe and China. Learn more at veritasgenetics.com.