At the Pacific Northwest Research Institute (PNRI), we believe genetic research holds untapped potential to improve human health.
We are an independent, nonprofit research organization led by forward-thinking scientists. By asking different questions, we are able to find new solutions in the fight against diseases ranging from Alzheimer’s to Type 1 diabetes.
Instead of asking what causes disease, our genetic researchers ask what keeps us healthy.
Why, in a family with two children who have the same risk of inheriting a genetic disease, does one child contract the disease while the other does not?
PNRI is focused on the child who remains healthy despite genetic and environmental risk. While traditional genetic research has yielded important discoveries around individual genes, diagnosis, and the treatment of disease by focusing mostly on the child who becomes ill, PNRI is turning the question around. We work to uncover how nature prevents disease in the first place.
Our approach holds the promise of revealing the human body’s innate ability to remain healthy.
- We know that genes do not act in isolation — they act together, evolve over time, and are influenced by the environment where we live.
- We focus on systems, investigating the interaction of genes and how they change as a complex network.
- We look at how genetic and environmental risks influence the development of disease.
- We look at the unexplored parts of the genome. We want to better understand how the non-coding parts of our genetic material can influence human health and disease.
In This Section
Leadership
PNRI is small, lean, and independent. We are home to a multidisciplinary team of world-class scientists who share an unconventional perspective on genetics.
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Careers and Internships
Our culture is designed for discovery, creativity, and collaboration. If you are interested in being part of a nimble, innovative team that is redefining genetics, learn more.
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Events
Our events provide an exciting opportunity to engage with scientists, make connections, and learn about our contributions in the medical world.
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