We design methods in comparative genomics and evolutionary bioinformatics to better understand relationships across genes and organisms.

We study the clinical impact of whole-genomic data in personalized medicine and genomic pathology.

We design translational methods to decipher disease mechanisms, with principal focus on autism spectrum disorders.

We use computational genetics to investigate the genetic basis of autism.

Latest Posts

From kris : January 12, 2012

Partnering with the University of Jaén for better bioinformatics

The Harvard Medical School and the University of Jaén have agreed to a partnership allowing international mobility of graduate students and research staff between the two institutions.

The agreement has emerged from the close cooperation developed between the Computational Biology Unit (Center for Biomedical Informatics) at Harvard Medical School, directed by Dennis P. Wall, and the Research Group Systems Biology of the University of Jaén, coordinated by Professor Francisco J. Esteban. 

From dennis : November 11, 2011

a machine learning tool that accelerates screening of autism

I recently gave a talk at the Autism Consortium Symposium held at Harvard Medical School on October 25 and attended by more than 600. In the talk I described my recent work on using artificial intelligence & machine learning to abbreviate the best-of-breed tools used for behavioral recognition of autism spectrum disorders. These approaches have helped me to identify a substantially shorter instrument that takes only minutes to complete but that achieves the same accuracy as the gold-standard tools.

From dennis : August 12, 2011

making autism diagnosis fast and easy for all

we have improved our short questionnaire for screening and diagnosis of autism, and through the help of over 2000 participants have measured it to be over 98% accurate. The questionnaire contains only 7 questions and takes minutes to complete, 93% shorter than the standard tool and over 2 hours faster. If you are a careprovider for someone with autism, you can contribute to our research by answering the questions in this questionnaire here.

From dennis : April 16, 2011

Post doctoral position

We have 2 post doctoral positions open now to work on the genetics of autism and on understanding the clinical impact of human genomic variation. Please contact us if you are interested. Competitive salary, great working environment, and an opportunity to contribute to two major health challenges.

Our Recent Publications

Upcoming Talks and Lectures

Just confirmed to speak at the iHT2 Health IT Summit in Atlanta. I will be focusing on cloud-based approaches to accelerating delivery of genomically-informed care. More soon...

Job Openings

These are our current openings:

(1) Post doctoral position

(2) Project Manager

An off-the-wall approach to autism

Gazing out over the Harvard Medical School quad, Dennis Wall, PhD, isn’t thinking about his research into the genetic causes of autism or the development of his ground-breaking Autworks Web site. He’s more concerned with the whereabouts of campus security. “They frown on skateboarding here,” he says, grinning sheepishly and displaying his new board. “I’ve been kicked out a few times.” More... And click here for a video featuring Dr. Wall.